The Plateau State Government has commenced a four-day capacity-building workshop for treasury staff, with a strong emphasis on enhancing financial discipline, professionalism, and accountability in the public service.
The workshop, themed “Public Financial Management: Achieving Financial Excellence,” is organised by the Office of the Accountant General and is being held at Jongrand Hotel, Bukuru Expressway, Jos South Local Government Area.
Declaring the workshop open, the Executive Governor of Plateau State, His Excellency Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, challenged treasury officers to prioritise excellence and continuous professional development.
Expressing concern over the level of progress since a similar training held in 2024; particularly regarding the acquisition of professional certifications such as Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria and Association of National Accountants of Nigeria; the Governor directed that a list of staff without either qualification be compiled for appropriate action.
He further announced that, as part of the 2026 performance assessment criteria, the best five accountants in the state will be sponsored for international training.
Governor Mutfwang emphasised that financial excellence begins with personal discipline and the right mindset, noting that technical competence must be complemented by continuous self-improvement. He observed that while Plateau State is rich in talent, progress is often hindered by limited commitment to self-development and a narrow professional outlook.
The Governor also highlighted ongoing reforms within the civil service, stating that his administration has improved working conditions through the provision of office infrastructure, vehicles, and allowances. However, he expressed concern that these efforts are often underreported by beneficiaries.
Addressing the broader economic context, Governor Mutfwang noted that public resources remain limited while citizens’ expectations continue to rise. He stressed the need to shift from a consumption-driven approach to a production-oriented mindset.
“Instead of focusing on sharing, we must focus on generation,” he stated, warning against wastage in public expenditure and reaffirming the government’s commitment to tightening financial controls to ensure value for money.
“We must block loopholes, eliminate wastage, and ensure that every kobo spent delivers value,” he added, urging treasury officers to evolve beyond routine bookkeeping and become “true financial engineers” capable of strengthening the state’s financial capacity.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Finance, Grace Dongkum, described public financial management as the backbone of good governance. She noted that the workshop underscores government’s commitment to strengthening accountability and transparency in the management of public resources, adding that achieving financial excellence requires continuous improvement, innovation, and adherence to global best practices adapted to local realities.
In her remarks, the Accountant General, Nanre Manset, explained that the workshop aims to bridge existing capacity gaps by bringing together treasury personnel from state and local government levels. She expressed optimism that the training will strengthen the treasury function and commended the Governor for his leadership and sustained support for capacity development in the civil service.
Also speaking, the Head of Service, Stephen Pam Gadongs, charged participants to internalise the principles of fiscal discipline, minimise errors in financial processes, and improve service delivery timelines. He stressed that financial excellence is practical and measurable, ensuring that every naira delivers maximum value.
The Chairman of Jos South Local Government Council, Silas Dung, welcomed participants and described the hosting of the workshop as a reflection of peace and stability in the area. He urged attendees to take full advantage of the training, noting that poor financial management has contributed significantly to challenges within Nigeria’s public sector.
The workshop is expected to provide a robust platform for learning, dialogue, and practical engagement on key aspects of public financial management, with participants encouraged to share experiences and adopt best practices that will enhance efficiency and service delivery.