Osun ranks first in fiscal transparency

 By Deborah Oladejo, Osogbo

Osun State has been ranked highest among other States in Nigeria in the area of Public Finance/Accountability through its transparent nature of governance.

In a report by the Subnational Audit Efficacy Index, with the theme: “Leveraging Accountability for Subnational Development in Nigeria,” Osun was ranked 1st with 88%, a huge improvement on the last rating where the State was ranked 25th with 40%.

According to the report, the State was commended for giving operationalization of financial autonomy to the Auditor-General for the State as well as conducted financial compliance and performance audit for every financial year.

The report also commended the commitment of Governor Gboyega Oyetola-led administration to financial transparency by signing into law the State of Osun Audit Law 2019, describing it as the principal law governing public audit function in the State.

The report added that the financial autonomy and operational independence for Supreme Audit Institutions especially at the subnational level are foundational pillars for achieving public accountability.

In his reaction, Commissioner for Finance, Mr Bola Oyebamiji said he was not surprised by the report ranking Osun as the most financially transparent State in the federation, stressing that financial transparency has always been Governor Oyetola’s watchword.

Oyebamiji stated that the governor signed a pact with the people of the State that he would be prudent and transparent with every fund that belongs to the State at all times.