Kaduna Deputy Gov says lack of financial discipline responsible for poor infrastructure

From:Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

Kaduna State Deputy Governor, Dr Hadiza Sabuwa Balarabe, has blamed Nigeria’s infrastructural decay on poor financial discipline among public servants, a situation which she said makes Nigeria rank amongst countries with the poorest infrastructures.
The Deputy Governor who stated this while declaring open a two-day sensitization workshop for Chairmen and Management staff of the 23 Local Government Councils on Fiscal Discipline, said, Nigeria “has borne the brunt of poor financial discipline.”
Quoting the World Bank’s Public Finance Review Report, Dr Balarabe said, “Nigeria currently lags in infrastructure, ranking 132 out of 137 countries in the 2018 Global Competitive Index. The report projects a staggering $3 trillion physical infrastructure gap over the next three decades.”
She pointed out that, strong fiscal discipline builds up financial management capacity, which contributes to good governance, more infrastructure, and social services.
The Deputy Governor however stressed that Nigeria should not only target increased revenues but also manage available funds judiciously, adding that “fiscal discipline plays a pivotal role in shaping economic outcomes and ensuring responsible financial management”.
She explained that the Kaduna State Government has taken significant steps to ensure that fiscal discipline and responsible financial management are maintained in the State by enacting the Fiscal Responsibility Law which established the Fiscal Responsibility Commission.
The Commission, according to her is an independent body responsible for monitoring and enforcing laws related to public spending, including the powers to punish those who violate fiscal rules. “The State Government has taken steps to ensure transparency and accountability in public affairs. The details of the State Budget and financial reports are published for public scrutiny. Citizens and civil society organizations are involved in the budget process and decision-making.
“We understand that whatever we are doing at the State level, we need you at the Local Government level to key in for us to succeed. The purpose of this workshop, therefore, is to ensure that key functionaries of Local Governments catch up with best global practices in financial discipline.
The workshop jointly organized by the Ministry for Local Government and the Federal Anti-Corruption bodies, is part of Kaduna State Government’s effort towards entrenching financial discipline and strengthening local government administration.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Commissioner for Local Government, Hon. Sadiq Mamman Lagos, said the issue of fiscal responsibility has become critical in the efficient management of resources in Nigeria given the limited resources and the government’s disposal when compared to the promises made to the people.