By Khalid Doya Idris
Bauchi State has been recognized as one of the top five states in Nigeria in the 2024 Subnational Audit Efficacy (SAE) Index Report, released by the Paradigm Leadership Support Initiative (PLSI). The report, which ranked Osun, Bauchi, Akwa Ibom, Ekiti, and Yobe as the best-performing states, was launched in Abuja on Thursday.
According to the report, Yobe State received the SAE Index 2024 Championship Award. The event, themed "Strengthening Accountability Measures Through Technology for Resilient and Sustainable Subnational Development in Nigeria," brought together dignitaries from various states and organizations.
Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, SAN, Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), emphasized the need for subnational governments to adopt global best practices in financial management. Represented by ICPC Deputy Director Mr. Okor Odey, Dr. Aliyu commended PLSI for promoting transparency through the SAE Index, noting that such initiatives strengthen the fight against corruption.
"The ICPC is committed to working closely with civil society organizations like PLSI to foster transparency, accountability, and good governance across Nigeria," Dr. Aliyu said.
Olusegun Elemo, Founder and Executive Director of PLSI, highlighted the critical role of technology in strengthening accountability mechanisms. "We must work together to promote fiscal responsibility and sustainable development at the subnational level," Elemo said.
The event also recognized states that demonstrated transparency by publishing their SAE Index 2023 reports. The honored states included Akwa Ibom, Gombe, Kaduna, Oyo, Katsina, Benue, Bauchi, Ondo, and Edo.
The ceremony concluded with the presentation of the SAE Index 2024 Report, which provided key insights and recommendations aimed at enhancing subnational financial accountability. Dignitaries in attendance included the Accountant General of the Federation, Shamsedden Babatunde Ogunjimi, and the Auditor General for the Federation, Shaakaa Kanyitor Chira.