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The Central Bank of Nigeria releases guideline to enable state governments in Nigeria to operate Treasury Single Account to shore up their dwindling revenue
| By Anayo Ezugwu | Feb 10, 2016 @ 19:20 GMT |
AS state governments continue to face intense pressure on their cash flows in the face of dwindling revenues and the need to meet increasing statutory and social responsibilities, the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, has released guidelines for the implementation of Treasury Single Account, TSA, by states. The TSA, according to the CBN, would be a major component of financial and treasury management reforms being undertaken by the states.
The new circular posted on the apex bank’s website on Tuesday, February 9, explained that the Central Bank introduced the guidelines for states in exercise of its powers, as provided in the CBN Act, 2007, Section 47, sub section 2(2d). “The objective of this guideline is to provide state governments with a clear framework to support their successful implementation of the TSA initiative, based on standardised banking arrangements, operational processes and IT infrastructure.”
Part of the essential requirements for operating the TSA by states is that government agencies are not to operate any bank account under any guise, outside the purview and oversight of the treasury. In addition, the central bank explained that under the policy, the consolidation of government cash resources should be comprehensive and encompass all government cash resources, both budgetary and extra-budgetary.
The banking sector regulator listed the two TSA models to include: The main TSA and associated ledger sub-accounts (where they exist) are to be maintained in a single banking institution; or the main TSA maintained in a single banking institution and associated zero balance ledger sub-accounts (where they exist) are maintained in other institutions from where balances are swept daily to the main TSA in CBN or the appointed main TSA hosting financial institution.
“Each state government shall select any TSA model of its choice. The choice of a TSA model shall be informed and guided by the availability of clear operational processes and basic technology infrastructure that supports the implementation of the model of choice. Each state government shall inform the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria of its decision to introduce the TSA scheme, detailing; the state’s preferred TSA model (banking structure) and level of preparedness to commence, operate & support the scheme, which shall include, but not limited to project organisation and resourcing, operational process workflow, available technology infrastructure, etc.
“Each state government shall maintain contractual agreement(s) with parties involved in the design, delivery and ongoing support of its TSA scheme. Such agreement shall clearly define the terms and the roles and responsibilities of the state government and the relevant parties,” it stated.
The federal government’s TSA project, seeks to establish a unified structure of government bank accounts. This process is seen as the single most effective mechanism for dealing with corruption in cash management in government ministries, departments and agencies. The project is inspired by global best practices long established by countries across the world and has a proven record of enhancing oversight and control of government cash resources.
The new initiative, it is believed should help to reverse the situation where idle cash balances in bank accounts of MDAs, often fail to earn market related remuneration. The full implementation of the scheme would avert the situation where government, being unaware of these cash balances, incurs unnecessary borrowing costs on raising funds to cover perceived shortage.
The TSA system helps consolidate government cash balances gives the ministry of finance unique oversight of all government cash-flows and brings about improvements in budget control and monitoring.
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