Sokoto State Government has launched a comprehensive training programme for its public officials aimed at enhancing fiscal transparency and promoting greater accountability in governance.
The initiative, which commenced this week in Sokoto, brings together key officials from the Ministry of Finance, Budget and Economic Planning, and other relevant departments. It is part of the state’s broader strategy to strengthen public financial management systems and align with international best practices.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Commissioner for Finance, Alhaji Abdullahi Bello, emphasized the importance of the training in improving service delivery and restoring public confidence in government spending.
“We are committed to ensuring that every naira spent is accounted for, and this training is a major step toward achieving that goal,” Bello said.
The training covers key areas such as budget formulation and execution, expenditure tracking, financial reporting, and audit compliance. Facilitators include experts from financial institutions and development partners who are supporting Sokoto’s efforts to improve fiscal discipline and openness.
Civil society organizations and anti-corruption watchdogs have lauded the move, calling it a positive step toward building a more transparent and accountable governance framework.
The Sokoto government has recently intensified efforts to comply with the Open Government Partnership (OGP) and the State Fiscal Transparency, Accountability, and Sustainability (SFTAS) program—a World Bank-supported initiative aimed at promoting efficient use of public resources.
With the new training, officials are expected to implement learned strategies across ministries, departments, and agencies, further institutionalizing reforms that promote integrity and efficiency in public financial management.
