Collaboration between the Non-Governmental Organisation Life and Peace Development Organisation and the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office has resulted in the training of accounting officers from local governments in Ondo State. The focus of the training is on the implementation of the procurement act within the council system, aligning with the financial autonomy recently granted to local councils.
Following a recent ruling by the Supreme Court granting financial autonomy to local governments in Nigeria, stating that it is unconstitutional for state governors to withhold funds allocated for local government administrations, this training becomes even more significant.
The Executive Director of the organisation, Mr Frank Oloniju, highlighted the importance of the training in equipping local government accounting staff with the necessary knowledge to manage procurement processes within their council areas. This knowledge is crucial in light of the financial autonomy now enjoyed by local governments nationwide.
The training included accounting officers from five local government areas: Ile-Oluji/Oke-Igbo, Akure North and South, Ondo West, and Owo.
Mr Oloniju indicated that similar training sessions would be extended to other local government areas in the state.
He explained, “The purpose of the training sessions and meetings with local government officials is to assist them in establishing tender boards and developing a procurement plan. This plan, derived from budgets, enables local governments to effectively identify and address the procurement needs of various departments within the council.
“By educating them on bid openings and procurement service solicitations, we aim to enable local governments to manage their resources efficiently. This, in turn, can alleviate pressure on the state government while fostering development at the local level, ultimately reducing poverty.”
Mr Oloniju commended the Ondo State Local Government Service Commission for supporting the intervention and expressed that the commission is prepared to establish procurement units in all local government areas.
In his address, the Permanent Secretary of the state Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr Bayo Ilawole, emphasized the role of the procurement act, which has been enacted into law by the state government, in ensuring the financial autonomy of the councils.
“The procurement act will play a critical role in local government autonomy, particularly in terms of fiscal autonomy. Those involved will now operate within a structured framework with clear guidelines and repercussions for non-compliance.
“Having rules and regulations in place means accountability for actions taken, with financial institutions and oversight bodies monitoring operations closely,” stated Mr Ilawole.
He further stressed that full implementation of the procurement act throughout the local government system would help curb the excesses of individuals within the system.