x

Backlash Over UK Workshop: Nigerians Criticize Officials’ Insensitivity

The decision by the Accountant General of the Federation (AGF), commissioners of finance from all 36 states, and other government officials to hold a workshop in the United Kingdom amidst Nigeria’s economic challenges has sparked widespread criticism from civil society groups and rights advocates.

The workshop on Public Financial Management and International Public Sector Accounting Standards, hosted by the AGF’s office, took place at the Copthorne Tara Hotel in Kensington, London, from March 4 to March 9, 2024.

While the event focused on topics like IPSAS and its role in enhancing accountability, it also addressed challenges in public financial management and budget implementation in Nigeria.

Critics have condemned the timing and location of the workshop, citing Nigeria’s ongoing economic downturn, characterized by foreign exchange crises, high inflation rates, and food shortages leading to public unrest.

President Bola Tinubu’s recent call for cost-cutting measures further highlighted the perceived insensitivity of the officials’ decision to travel abroad for the workshop.

Human rights groups like the International Society for Social Justice and Human Rights denounced the trip as wasteful and unnecessary, stressing that the workshop could have been conducted locally to save costs.

Similarly, Debo Adeniran, from the Centre for Anti-corruption and Open Leadership, questioned the necessity of the trip, suggesting that training could have been conducted online or through a ‘train the trainers’ approach to minimize expenses.

However, the Office of the AGF defended the workshop, noting that it was an annual event aimed at enhancing the skills of key officials involved in financial management. According to them, the choice of London as the venue was due to the presence of specialized facilitators.

Economists like Shedrach Israel criticized the decision, arguing that spending scarce foreign exchange on such trips was not economically prudent, especially considering Nigeria’s current economic challenges.

The backlash underscores growing concerns about government spending priorities and the need for more prudent financial management practices in Nigeria.

Hot this week

Agribusiness revolution key to Nigeria’s economic recovery- Lawmaker

By Ogenyi Ogenyi,UyoA member of the Akwa Ibom Assembly,...

Gov. Ododo Hails Appointment of Maj.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu as New Chief of Army Staff

By Noah Ocheni, LokojaKogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman...

North-Central APC Forum Backs Mutfwang, Rejects Plateau APC Leaders’ Move to Block Defection

By Israel Adamu, JosThe North-Central All Progressives Congress (APC)...

Nasarawa Farmers Triple Rice Yields with Climate-Smart Farming Innovations

By Abel Zwanke, LafiaFarmers in Nasarawa State have recorded...

Ex-Liverpool Star Explains Why Arsenal Won’t Win the Premier League This Season

Arsenal’s blistering start to the season has reignited hopes...

Ruben Amorim’s Tactical Shift Could Earn Manchester United £24 Million

Ruben Amorim’s bold decision to deploy a striker-less formation...

NGO Trains Plateau Judges, Security Operatives on Enforcement of Child Rights Law 2005

By Israel Adamu, JosThe Child Protection Network (CPN), Plateau...

CACOL Commends Federal Government for Removing Nigeria from FATF Grey List

By Jabiru HassanThe Centre for Anti-Corruption and Open Leadership...

North-Central APC Forum Backs Mutfwang, Rejects Plateau APC Leaders’ Resolution

By Israel Adamu, JosThe North-Central All Progressives Congress (APC)...

Related Articles

Popular Categories

spot_imgspot_img