Public financial reform: Kano govt backs EU, World Bank over SLOGOR’s extension

The Kano state government has commended the European Union (EU) and the World Bank for extending the State and Local Governance Reform Project (SLOGOR) for additional one year and also pledged the state’s commitment to the activities of the project in the state. 


SLOGOR is an European Union funded and World Bank managed project meant to improve transparency, accountability and quality in public finance management in the participating states of Anambra, Cross River, Jigawa, Kano, Osun and Yobe states.


In a statement made available to Blueprint in Abuja Wedneaday, by its national communication officer, Ajewole Ebenezer, said the Kano state Head of Service Dr. Kabiru Shehu, gave the commendation and the commitment, Wednesday at the SLOGOR’s implementation support mission organised by the World Bank in the state for the three northern states of Jigawa, Kano and Yobe. 

Kabiru while commending the EU and the World Bank for their efforts to enhance transparency and accountability in government business particularly at time of economic turmoil in the country, particularly noted World Bank’s commitment towards the achievement of the State Integrated Financial Management Information System (SIFMIS) which he said has reached an advanced stage of completion. 


“Kano state has indeed taken it’s course free from business as usual as we are heading to full e-governance, increase in revenue generation amongst others. These achievements were basically realized through your sustained support and contribution and have become very critical to the state in this regard.”


According to the Head of Service, its part of the present administration’s effort towards achieving this milestone. Government has ensured that all the affected Activity Executing Agencies (AEAs) has been fully encouraged to put up their best towards the sustainability of the project. 


Speaking earlier, the Task Team Leader of the Project, Mr. Ikechukwu Nweje, said the mission was organised basically to review progress since the last mission in 2018, identified challenges and offer suggestions on how to address them to ensure the project objective is achieved.


Nweje also revealed that the project has been extended by the EU for one year, urging the states to concentrate on activities that will ensure speedy completion and the judicious use of funds.


He enjoined the states to get the best out of the project, arguing that if the states can achieve the objectives of the project it will be a blessing to the states.


He said: “Over the course of the year we will be bringing all the states together, but that will be determined by availability of funds. They will be a peer learning. It is just improving efficiency on what you are already doing. We will discuss components from components.”


He commended the three states- Jigawa, Kano and Yobe for the progress made so far especially in the area of public financial reform.