The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) have been asked to extend its ongoing probe of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to include their level of compliance with the Treasury Single Account (TSA) policy.
Also, the Africa Leadership Strategy and Transparency Development Initiative wants the federal government to explain the rationale behind transferring the burden of the TSA to the citizens in line with international transparency best practices.
In a press statement signed by the Executive Director of the Group, Nelson Ossaieze, the body said it is without doubt that the implementation of the TSA policy is one of the most significant achievements of the current administration, as it has drastically improved accountability and transparency, while delivering a monthly savings of about N24.7 billion to the nation.
However, there is still the alleged non-compliance or partial compliance by certain MDAs and exclusion of foreign accounts from the scheme, the group said.
Ossaieze said the need arises for ICPC to openly investigate the level of adherence to the policy by MDAs in order to consolidate on the remarkable achievements of the policy thus far.
He noted that in November 2018, the federal government suddenly directed that the cost of operating the scheme should be transferred to the payers, with its attendant burden on the citizens. “The change, according to the Accountant General of the Federation, was premised on the unsustainable nature of the cost of servicing the policy. Non-card payments to the government now attract a flat service charge of N157.50 and card payments now cost N150 plus 0.75 percent of the amount being paid, subject to a maximum of N1,200 per transaction.”
Ossaieze explained that owing to the long-term impact on the nation’s economy, the lack of proper public sensitization leaves much to the desired from the FG. “Nigerians were unaware of the policy change prior to the effective date. Reports indicate that the operators, like other players in the process, had this sudden reality forced on them. FG must bridge the inherent knowledge gap in the public space by embarking on a nationwide sensitization campaign and highlight the long-term benefits rather than allow the current misinformation to linger.”
He however said the Group is aware that the current rate is lower than the global industry benchmark, adding that the current economic realities of the country implies that such changes cannot be made without proper and due consideration of the average Nigerian.
He pointed out that the FG should assent to the National Minimum Wage Bill, implement the 2009 agreement with the Academic Staff Union of Universities and other initiatives to significantly lessen the burden on Nigerians whilst sustaining the gains of the TSA.
The Group urged the government to promote and even export the TSA policy to other countries across Africa in order to uphold probity and add to the ranks of TSA compliant nations like Rwanda and Uganda.
