Reps to give treasury academy priority in 2018 budget

The House of Representatives will give adequate priority to the Federal Treasury Academy (FTA), Orozo, adequate priority in the coming 2018 budget to enable it to perform better, a house panel has said.

The Committee on Finance, chaired by Babangida Ibrahim Mahuta (APC, Katsina), said during an oversight visit to the academy in Abuja at the weekend that going by what they saw, they would ensure that the academy’s standard is raised.

Babangida, while commending the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation for maintaining the academy without any budgetary subhead, demanded the accountant general, Ahmed Idris, to furnish the committee with details of all the necessary demands for the academy.

“I can assure you that the committee will continue to support you. We have to know the specific challenges. We also have to know if there is any inflow to the academy because our major concern is about revenue so that we’ll know the level of support we’ll give you.

“We will always be there for you. Any time you have any challenges, let us know. I can assure you that all members of the committee are in support of the office.

A member of the panel, Rep Bode Ayorinde (APC, Ondo) appealed to the accountant general not to lose focus of the mandate of his office, saying “As good as this place is, it can also be used for research. It can research for you to enhance your work. Let this place be for training and research on financial issues.”

Similarly, Rep Mohammed Garba Gololo (APC, Bauchi), said: “If this institute isn’t accredited, I want to advise that it should be accredited.

“You should also hold a programme with DAFs of agencies so that they can subscribe to the programme. There should be staff bus to ferry their children to schools,” he added.