Toba Owojaiye reporting
Benin City, Edo State
Edo State and its prolific governor have once again earned recognition, emerging first in Nigeria’s fiscal transparency league table for the first quarter of 2024. According to BudgIT’s latest assessment, Edo State tied with Anambra State, both achieving a remarkable 93% score, surpassing 34 other states.
Truth Live News gathered that, the assessment by BudgIT, which is accessible on their website, evaluated the availability and comprehensiveness of crucial fiscal documents, the functionality of state websites and e-procurement portals, and the timeliness of publications. The evaluation revealed significant variability in fiscal transparency among Nigerian states, influencing their rankings on the States’ Fiscal Transparency League (SFTL) table.
Edo and Anambra led the rankings with a 93% score each, followed by Ekiti and Jigawa with 92%, and Ebonyi with 87%. The states with the lowest scores included Benue and Kebbi at 42%, Bayelsa at 40%, Borno at 32%, and Imo at 31%.
BudgIT praised Edo State’s performance, highlighting its strength in key indicators such as the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF), Proposed Budget, Approved Budget, Citizens’ Budget, Budget Implementation Reports, Audit Reports, Accountant General’s Report/Financial Statement, e-procurement Portal, and the state’s website with a fiscal repository. However, BudgIT noted that Edo State could improve by better organizing documents on their website.
The Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) is a pivotal component in the assessment, described as an annual three-year expenditure planning tool that sets out medium-term expenditure priorities and budget constraints, against which sector plans can be developed and refined. It includes outcome criteria for performance monitoring and, along with the annual Budget Framework Paper, forms the basis for annual budget planning. The MTEF is expected to be published on the states’ websites before the end of the third quarter.
Edo State’s consistent dedication to fiscal transparency and the exemplary leadership of its governor have positioned the state as a beacon of good governance and accountability in Nigeria. This accolade is a testament to their unwavering commitment to upholding high standards of financial transparency and public sector efficiency.
