The Minister of Finance Dr. Kemi Adeosun has stated that no economy can grow without implementation of timely efficient and prudent management of government scarce resources by civil servants.
Speaking during a Seminar organized for senior government officials and head of ministries, agencies of Federal Government in Abuja, the Minister who is also the Chairman Steering Committee of Efficiency Unit of the Federal Government warned against misappropriation and abuse of public funds.
“I want to remind you that being the accounting officer is not just a title. It is actually a huge responsibility. You are accountable on how public funds are spent. You are to make sure that money spent is accounted.
“In public service, no is an answer, why is an answer; convince me is also a valid answer. We will hold you responsible if anything happens under your watch. Don’t sign new files ask of the old files. Treat public money as if they are yours,” she said.
She said that eliminating waste in government expenditure should be the task of every civil servant adding that money saved would be used to revive the economy. She further called for more disclosures and informed that a new expenditure template is being developed.
In her remarks, the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation Mrs. Winifred Oyo-Ita noted that with the current economic recession, there is the need to brainstorm on the best way to manage the limited resources at the disposal of government amidst growing responsibilities.
Mrs. Oyo-Ita expressed the hope that the OHCSF’s 2016-2019 Strategic Plan would develop a culture of enterprise and commercial orientation in the service.
“This will transform the Civil Service from being perceived as a cost center to revenue earners, enhance value for money in government expenditures,
