Saraki signs Fiscal Responsibility bill into law - Flags off malaria programme today

Yekini Jimoh, Ilorin - 22.09.2008

Kwara State governor, Dr. Bukola Saraki, at the weekend signed into law, the Fiscal Responsibility Bill 2008.

The bill is to ensure financial discipline and accountability in the conduct of government business and and activities in the state.

The new law, which is to become operational throughout the state, would also establish a commission to ensure the promotion and enforcement of economic objectives in the state to conform with minimum international standards.

Under the law, the income, expenditure and loan profiles of the state government would now be published for easy access of the public to ensure prudent management and transparency in government financial transactions.

Speaking at the ceremony, Dr. Saraki said the journey of the bill commenced in 2002 while still in the Presidency, adding that with the passage of the bill, the previous misconception on how the finances of the state were being run would be laid to rest.

He expressed appreciation to members of the House of Assembly for their accelerated passage of the bill, saying that a new one—the Public Procurement Bill—was in the pipeline.

Meanwhile, Dr. Saraki will today flag off the “Malaria-free Kwara State” as pregnant women and children below five years are expected to receive free malaria treatment throughout the state.

The government had released N200 million for the procurement of insecticide-treated mosquito-nets which were expected to be distributed free to the people of the state.