The executive vice chairman and chief executive officer (EVC) of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), Mr. Khalil Halilu has emphasised the crucial need for efficient resource management.
He highlighted the agency’s responsibility to effectively utilise public funds for the betterment of Nigeria.
During the opening of a one-day sensitisation workshop on the Government Integrated Financial Management Information System (GIFMIS) policy and guidelines for financial managers of NASENI, in partnership with the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation (OAGF) at the Agency’s headquarters in Abuja, the EVC conveyed this message.
The workshop aimed to improve financial management practices for NASENI’s principal officers, directors, managing directors, and accounting officers across the organisation.
Encouraging participants to approach the workshop with dedication, the EVC stressed the importance of maintaining accurate financial records and implementing innovative processes as outlined in the GIFMIS policy. He highlighted the necessity of staff training and capacity building to ensure efficient execution of duties and position NASENI as an employer of choice in the public sector of Nigeria.
Halilu cautioned staff on the handling of classified documents, emphasising the critical nature of confidentiality in financial management and the need for strict adherence to public service regulations governing the protection of official information.
He also reiterated NASENI’s core operating principles of collaboration, creation and commercialisation, expressing confidence in the agency’s ability to achieve its objectives in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s ‘Renewed Hope’ agenda.
A statement by the agency’s deputy director of information, Chima Akwaja mentioned that the deputy programme manager of the system support and sustainability directorate at OAGF, provided an overview of GIFMIS. He highlighted that the policy aims to streamline budgeting and government expenditure processes, with a focus on combating irregularities, corruption and fraudulent activities within government ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs).
In his closing remarks, the coordinating director of finance and accounts at NASENI, Alhaji Ibrahim Dauda extended gratitude to all finance and accounts directorate staff from NASENI centres across the organisation for their participation in the workshop. He encouraged them to explore ways to transform NASENI into an independent revenue-generating entity.
