FG set to curb wastage —Finance Minister

The Minister of Finance, Mrs Kemi Adeosun, has said that the Federal Government is determined to curb wastage in its expenditures to combat the recent fall in the country’s revenue.

Adeosun, who was represented by Mrs Patience Oniha, made the statement at a lecture titled, “Efficiency Unit” during the Guild of Editors Conference on Friday in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

She said although the government had in the past attempted several strategies to end loopholes in government expenditures, it was yet to achieve set goals.

Adeosun said that it was imperative to engage more stringent measures to curb wastages in government spendings so as to effectively manage government ministries, agencies and parastatals.

The minister also said that as part of measures to check loopholes in government spending, the ‘Efficiency Unit’ was created to serve as part of the Federal Ministry of Finance.

Adeosun said the unit would enable the Federal Government to manage its scarce resources in the face of the dwindling revenue.

She explained that the Efficiency Unit was saddled with the responsibility of monitoring Federal Government expenditure as it relates to procurement and efficient utilisation of government facilities.

“A weak audit system has in the past hampered effective checks and balances in government businesses, our administration shall ensure accountability.

“A good example of avoidable wastage was the huge losses by past governments on air travels by top officials/CEOs of the MDAs; the present administration has put in place measures to cut down on air travels.

“We have also worked out modalities with some airlines on discounts on our travel services.

“The efficiency unit has also recommended the use of debits cards as one of the best methods to check fund diversion by government officials,” she said.

The minister therefore, urged editors to support federal government’s policies to ensure delivery of basic social amenities which will in turn attract investors to the country.