In a renewed effort to strengthen governance and service delivery at the grassroots, the Benue State Local Government Service Commission has launched a three-day workshop aimed at enhancing financial management and accountability in local government councils.
The workshop, themed “Enhancing Effective Financial Management and Accountability in Local Government Councils in Benue,” is organized in collaboration with Pendulum Consultants and brings together key local government officials across the state.
Chairman of the Commission, Mr. James Ivever, who declared the workshop open, expressed concern over persistent challenges confronting local councils.
These, he said, include poor budgeting practices, weak internal controls, inadequate revenue generation, and irregular financial reporting — all of which have impeded service delivery and undermined public trust.
“This workshop seeks to address these challenges by equipping our staff with the right knowledge, skills, and attitudes to manage public resources judiciously and transparently,” Ivever said. “Over the next three days, participants will engage with best practices in public financial management, internal audit systems, fiscal discipline, and ethical leadership.”
Mr. Ivever further commended Governor Hyacinth Alia for his “tremendous support,” which he noted has been instrumental in the positive reforms witnessed within the Commission over the past year.
Also speaking, Mr. Salem Atsehe, Managing Partner of Pendulum Consultants, affirmed the workshop’s objective of improving service delivery at the local level through the adoption of modern financial practices.
He praised Governor Alia for creating a conducive environment for the training to take place.
Delivering the keynote address, Retired Deputy Corps Marshal Edward Zamber, stressed the importance of accurate financial records and efficient fund management.
He urged participants to apply their knowledge to sanitize the local government system and improve operational transparency.
In a goodwill message, Dr. Abraham Gberindyer, Auditor General for Local Governments, represented by Mr. Barry Ijih, lamented the absence of effective internal control mechanisms in LG operations.
He applauded the Commission for organizing the workshop and called on participants to put the training into practical use for better governance.
The capacity-building workshop is seen as a strategic move to reposition the third tier of government in Benue State for more effective and accountable service delivery.
