Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, accountability, and efficient public financial management through the Revised Cash Management and Bottom-Up Cash Planning Policy.
The Minister of State for Finance, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, made this known at the Stakeholders Review Meeting on the Implementation of the Revised Policy on Cash Management and Bottom-Up Cash Planning Protocols, where she emphasized that the policy is a major step towards eliminating financial mismanagement and ensuring effective budget execution.
According to Uzoka-Anite, the policy, introduced in 2024, has already streamlined budget execution, ensured funds are allocated in line with approved plans, and facilitated timely project implementation.
“The revised policy on Cash Management and Bottom-Up Cash Planning represents a pivotal step in our journey toward ensuring sound fiscal management and sustainable economic development,” she stated.
The Minister further explained that the policy has increased transparency and accountability by introducing greater scrutiny and justification for fund requests, reducing opportunities for financial mismanagement and safeguarding public funds.
Despite the progress made, the Minister admitted that some MDAs lack the expertise and tools to fully implement the policy, noting concerns about delays in the approval process, which some stakeholders fear could slow down government operations.
However, she assured that the government is working closely with stakeholders to address these challenges.
“The Government is engaging in an open and constructive dialogue with stakeholders to identify areas for improvement and develop solutions,” Dr. Uzoka-Anite said.
She also highlighted the importance of data consistency across key government institutions to ensure accurate economic indicators and greater transparency. In addition, she stressed the need for structural reforms in agriculture to boost food supply and ease inflationary pressures.
Uzoka-Anite called on stakeholders to actively participate in the policy’s implementation by sharing insights and proposing actionable solutions to enhance efficiency.
“By adopting this policy, we reaffirm our dedication to the efficient use of public funds, which is critical to driving impactful development programs and meeting the needs of our people,” she emphasized.
She assured that the government remains committed to building a transparent, accountable, and efficient financial system that serves the best interests of all Nigerians.
