Taraba State government has charged financial management specialists and project accountants to adopt effective tax administration and fiscal management strategies to strengthen the state’s finances and improve budget performance.
The state commissioner for Finance, Budget and Economic Planning, Dr Sarah Enoch Adi, gave the charge at a symposium on tax reform, fiscal policy and revenue optimisation held in Jalingo.
The commissioner, who was represented by the ministry’s permanent Secretary, Finance, Mr. Douglas Kisaba, urged participants to translate the knowledge gained at the symposium into practical measures that would enhance public financial management.
She commended Governor Agbu Kefas for his leadership and support towards the successful organisation of the event.
The commissioner also praised the Accountant-General of the state and acknowledged the contributions of the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS), the Taraba State Internal Revenue Service, and other technical partners to the success of the event.
She said the symposium provided a platform for robust discussions on tax administration, fiscal policy, and strategies for strengthening the state’s financial capacity.
Dr. Adi urged participants to implement the recommendations arising from the discussions, stressing that the success of the symposium would depend on their practical application in government financial operations.
In a paper presentation, the state’s Accountant-General, Danjuma Gaius, called for stricter expenditure control and improved financial management.
He warned that increased revenue generation would have limited impact without the efficient use of public funds.
Gaius urged financial management specialists to strengthen revenue forecasting, internal controls, digital payment systems, and performance monitoring to ensure the proper assessment, documentation, and utilisation of government revenue in line with approved budgets.
He also called for closer collaboration among the Office of the Accountant-General, the Ministry of Finance, Budget and Economic Planning, the Taraba State Internal Revenue Service (TIRS), and other relevant ministries, departments, and agencies to promote fiscal transparency and support the state’s development priorities.
Earlier, the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Budget, Danjuma Sagudu, described financial management specialists and project accountants as critical to implementing tax reforms and safeguarding public resources.
Sagudu said the symposium provided an opportunity for participants to explore practical strategies for improving revenue mobilisation, strengthening institutional accountability, and ensuring that government expenditure translated into measurable development outcomes.