By Kester Omu
The 2018 budget will see much of technological inputs as the Director-General, Budget Office of the Federation, Mr. Ben Akabueze has confirmed the budget will be prepared using the Integrated Financial Management Information System.
“We have resolved to prepare the 2018 budget with the Integrated Financial Management Information System. Hence, over 4,250 government officials involved in budget preparation from about 800 MDAs across the country would be trained on how to use the system,” he stated.
He said the training becomes necessary so that budget officers in the MDAs can be equipped with the knowledge, skills and tools they required to prepare and submit the 2018 budget on time; disclosing that this is the first time the system would be used for both budget preparation and implementation.
The adoption of the IFMIS, according to Akabueze would enhance seamless linkage between preparation, submission, execution, monitoring, evaluation and reporting.
The IFMIS is an information technology-based system for budget management and accounting that is being implemented by the Federal Government to improve public expenditure management processes. The system enhances greater accountability and transparency across the MDAs.