Governor Umo Eno has said the introduction of the Treasury Single Account will strengthen revenue growth, improve transparency, and deepen accountability across state Ministries, Departments and Agencies.
The governor spoke during an engagement with revenue officers and stakeholders at the Banquet Hall, Government House, Uyo. He said the TSA would boost internally generated revenue, block leakages, and provide reliable data to support planning and development.
Eno criticised the existing revenue framework, particularly the practice of MDAs spending revenue at source while still receiving monthly imprest from government. He said the system had weakened accountability and reduced the effectiveness of revenue collection.
He disclosed that ongoing digital reforms had already produced results, including the discovery of more than 2,000 unaccredited workers in the state civil service through a verification exercise led by the Ministry of Science and Digital Economy. He added that the state now operates a digital platform that allows civil servants and political appointees to verify their records and access payroll details using their identity numbers.
According to the governor, the TSA will automate revenue collection costs and operational funding to ensure standardisation and curb abuse.
In his remarks, Finance Commissioner Emem Almond Bob described the TSA as a key public finance reform under the current administration. He cited the clearance of N39.831 billion in inherited bank debts, payment of nearly N80 billion in gratuity arrears, improved budget performance, prompt salary payments, and ongoing infrastructure delivery.
Bob said the engagement aimed to address concerns from revenue generating MDAs and agree on clear procedures for remitting operational funds.
Deputy Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Kufreabasi Edidem, said the TSA would strengthen audit processes and reduce financial irregularities. He described the reform as overdue and necessary for sustainable governance.
Chairman of the House Committee on Finance and Appropriation, Itorobong Etim, said the initiative reflected the administration’s commitment to long term financial stability. ALGON chairman in the state, Uwemedimo Udo, represented by Utibe Nwoko, said local governments were ready to comply fully with the new system.
State Accountant General Uwem Andrew Essien said identified challenges had been resolved to ensure a smooth transition. The event featured a presentation on the AkwaRemit platform by Science and Digital Economy Commissioner Frank Ekpenyong, who outlined compliance requirements under the TSA framework.
