The Accountant General of Taraba State, Mr. Gaius Danjuma, has called for realistic, evidence-based revenue targets backed by reliable financial data to ensure effective budget planning and responsible public expenditure.
Danjuma made the call on Friday in Jalingo during a symposium on tax reforms, fiscal policy and revenue optimisation, stressing that accurate revenue forecasting would enable the government to prepare credible budgets and meet its expenditure commitments.
He said the state must strengthen internal controls, ensure timely remittance of government revenue, conduct regular reconciliations and identify weaknesses that could lead to revenue losses.
The Accountant General advocated the adoption of electronic payment platforms, automated reconciliation systems, integrated databases and modern financial management tools to improve transparency, reduce manual errors and minimise opportunities for the diversion of public funds.
He also stressed the need for regular reviews of revenue performance against approved targets, noting that significant variations should be investigated and appropriate corrective measures implemented promptly.
"Financial officers must complement their technical competence with honesty, discipline and accountability," the AG stated.
He added that continuous professional development was necessary to equip financial personnel with the knowledge and skills required to respond effectively to changing fiscal policies and technological demands.
"Taraba State had opportunities to expand its revenue base through improved administration of existing revenue sources and the development of legitimate economic activities in agriculture, commerce, tourism, property administration and other productive sectors", Gaius said.
He said achieving the objective would require improved revenue data, stronger coordination among revenue-generating ministries, departments and agencies, as well as proper assessment, documentation, remittance and accounting of all government collections.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Taraba State Internal Revenue Service, TIRS, Brigadier General Jeremiah Aliyu Faransa (rtd), announced an increase in the state's revenue, calling for collective efforts to block revenue leakages.
Faransa commended Governor Agbu Kefas for his administration's support towards ensuring that revenues belonging to the state government were not diverted.
He urged stakeholders to embrace the ongoing tax reforms, stressing the need for improved compliance and effective revenue collection.
Also speaking, the Head of the Project Financial Management Unit, Dr. Manasseh Haruna, commended Governor Kefas for providing the platform for the symposium and for efforts to block revenue leakages in the state.
The symposium, themed “The Role of Financial Management Specialists and Project Accountants Towards Achieving Revenue Targets,” as observed by DAILY POST, brought together financial managers and other stakeholders to discuss strategies for improving revenue generation, strengthening financial accountability and enhancing public financial management in Taraba State.
Taraba AG urges realistic revenue targets to improve budget planning