PSAF Summarised Note (Updated)
PSAF Summarised Note (Updated)
Another Hint is that it is possible for Someone to read only the Theoretical Aspects of this Paper and Pass!
Is it not only 50%? but it is so POSSIBLE for someone to Focus only on the Calculation, neglecting the
Written Aspects and FAIL. The Reason is because Most Calculations in it could be Simple and, some of
them are being done in other Courses like FR and PM. So, using Acquired knowledge from other Courses,
one can Get the Calculations.
Course Outline
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Public Sector Accounting & Finance By: Yusuff Kabiru Aremu ACA; 08169069670 @APEX Professional Associates
25. Accounting for Public Sector Organizations & Government Business Entities (GBEs) 81
Chapter 1
When we talk about Public Sector Accounting and Finance, we are referring to how Accounts are
reported in Various Public Sectors and Offices, Ministries, Departments and Agencies. (MDAs). These
are entities or organizations owned and financed by the government for the benefit of the
common citizens. They include the Federal Government, the state government, the local
government, government and state ministries, extra-ministerial departments, agencies,
corporations, and parastatals. They are referred to as public because they are owned by the public
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Public Sector Accounting & Finance By: Yusuff Kabiru Aremu ACA; 08169069670 @APEX Professional Associates
(Myself and you), for the betterment of the public, funded by the money generated from the
public and managed by the government as agent of the public. Unlike private sectors
organizations, which are owned by a citizen or group of citizens. It means the entity will be
registered by the government through its agency called Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).
Definition
Public Sector Accounting has been defined as a process of recording, analyzing summarizing,
reporting, communicating, and interpreting of financial information about government in
aggregate and in detail, reflecting all transactions involving the receipt, transfer and
disbursement of government funds and property.
Because they have different Set up from the Private Companies, they have objectives different from that
of private companies.
1. Legitimacy of Transactions.
3. Assisting in Planning and Control – Planning for the future and control expenditure at present.
The Objectives are plenty in Our Pack Anyway. But, the points below will assist:
• Legitimacy
• Compliance
• Stewardship
We have 2 Categories.
1. Internal Users
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Public Sector Accounting & Finance By: Yusuff Kabiru Aremu ACA; 08169069670 @APEX Professional Associates
e. Their Subordinates whose tasks are delegated to – Like Tax and revenue collectors.
2. External Users
c. Researchers
d. Government Creditors
e. Foreign Countries.
f. Political Parties
Each of them has their Needs. They do not just need the Financial Information, but for specific Purpose.
Regulatory Framework
Like we have in Private Sector Accounting (FR), There's Regulatory and Conceptual Framework. Both
Are Dealing with different Aspects. The Regulatory Framework is Dealing with LAWS, STATUTES,
that Requires PUBLIC SECTOR ACCOUNTING to come into Existence. While Conceptual
Frameworks deal with Many Concepts underlying the Preparation of Public Sector Accounting.
1. The Nigerian Constitution: This is the Apex of all the Laws in a State. Some Sections Of the
Constitution Requires Public Sector Accounting Activities. Eg. S80 - Establishment of the CRF, S81
- Authorisation to spend from the Fund, Etc. Read More from the Pack.
4. Financial Regulations: These are Manuals Used in Various MDAs to treat Transactions.
6. The Public Procurement Act of 2007: A law which deals with Government Contracts and Buying of
Goods for Government. To be Treated in Details Later.
7. Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2007: A law that deals with Budgeting, allocation of Revenue and
Assignment of Government Expenditure. Also, to be treated in Details Later.
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Public Sector Accounting & Finance By: Yusuff Kabiru Aremu ACA; 08169069670 @APEX Professional Associates
9. Other Laws. Such as: EFCC, ICPC, Code of Conduct, Money Laundring Act, Pension Reform Act,
Etc.
Conceptual Framework
Accounting concepts
These are fundamental assumptions which underlie the preparation of financial statements of an
enterprise. Public Sector Accounting is an integral but separate branch of accounting sharing in
common many concepts and principles applicable to the private sector e.g. consistency,
materiality, periodicity, money measurement, double entry or duality, historical cost, going
concern, matching concept etc.
Accounting Policies
These are specific accounting methods adopted by the management of the organisation as being
best suited for use for a particular business, which must be applied consistently in the preparation
of financial statement. If we choose straight line method to calculate depreciation out of the
above basis then this straight-line method becomes the accounting policy.
Basis of Accounting
✓ Cash Basis
✓ Accrual Basis,
✓ Commitment Basis.
The One Applicable in Most Government Offices. Income and expenses are recognized when Received
and paid for Respectively, no matter the Period they belong to. The focus here is receipts and payments,
not income and expenses.
Advantages
1. It is simple to understand.
2. It is easy to operate.
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Public Sector Accounting & Finance By: Yusuff Kabiru Aremu ACA; 08169069670 @APEX Professional Associates
7. Cost of fixed assets is written off in the year of purchase, resulting in fewer accounting
entries.
8. We can easily compare amounts authorized in the budget and those actually spent.
Disadvantages
1. It does not show the true Picture of Accounts at the end of each period since no adjustment has
been made for such transactions as debtors, creditors, accruals and prepayment.
✔ Accrual Basis
This is mostly used in Private Sectors, but some Because Government Enterprises and Parastals use it as
well. It tends to be Relevant in the The Public Sector. The opposite of The Cash Basis. Where Income
And Expenses Relate to the Actual Period They Belong To. Whether Recieved or spent that time or not.
Sit down, Study it and Read More on It.
Note: The Advantages of Cash Basis is the Disadvantages of Accrual Basis and Vice Versa.
Under this basis, the book of accounts are left open for a maximum of 3 Months after the year end so as to
capture the substantial amount of income and expenditure relating to the year just ended.
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Public Sector Accounting & Finance By: Yusuff Kabiru Aremu ACA; 08169069670 @APEX Professional Associates
✔ Commitment Basis
This is Only Used in the Public Sector. It's a basis which allows expenditure to be recorded in advance
once they are included in the budget, with the Evidence of a Purchase Order or a Letter of Award of
Contract. This basis is suitable for most government capital projects which span over a number of
years. However, the commitment basis is not used in isolation; it has to be supported either with
the cash basis or accrual basis.
• There should be a Document Authorising it, eg. LPO, Contract award letter.
Note: The Advantages of Accrual Basis are its Advantages, but the Disadvantages need to be Carefully
Looked At.
1. It involves extra work because at the end of each year, all unfulfilled commitments have to be
written back to reflect the exact picture of transactions which took place during the year.
2. It cannot be used in isolation but must be supported by either cash basis or accrual basis.
3. It is futuristic in nature and may not account for possible variations and fluctuations in costs. This
could lead to difference between what is budgeted for and what actually occurred.
4. It leads to overspending – with the expectation that government may release money in future.
Funding Principles
Fund is term used to represent a separate fiscal and accounting entity in which resources are held,
governed by special regulations, separated from other funds and established for specific purposes. Fund
accounting is one of the fundamental principles which underlies government or public sector accounting.
Government income is categorised into series of funds where by each of them caters for a specific welfare
activity of the government, for stewardship purposes.
Classification of funds
1. Government Funds - These are used to keep resources which are derived from general tax and
revenue streams of the government. Examples are Consolidated Relief Funds (CRF), Development
Fund, debt service fund, special fund, contingency fund.
2. Proprietary Funds - They are funds used to account for resources derived from government business
activities carried out by agencies and parastatals. Examples are various recurrent and capital funds
released to government business entities to carry out their operations.
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Public Sector Accounting & Finance By: Yusuff Kabiru Aremu ACA; 08169069670 @APEX Professional Associates
3. Fiduciary Funds - These are funds used to warehouse and account for resources held and managed by
government on behalf of its citizens in the capacity of a mere trustee or custodian. Examples are
Petroleum trust development fund (PTDF), Pension Trust Fund (PTF), Tertiary Education Trust Fund
(TETF).
Types of funds
• General Funds - like CRF for general administration of government recurrent activities
• Capital Project Fund like the Development fund for capital Projects.
• Special Funds - Funds created for specific purpose.
• Contingency Funds - For Unforeseen activities like natural disasters or outbreak.
Government owned entities are Ministeries, extra-ministerial departments and agencies (MDAs),
parastatals, etc. They differ in the following areas:
1. Profit Oriented - Government enterprises main objective is to provide adequate welfare to the public
at reasonable costs and not to make profit. While private entities’ main objective is to make profits.
2. Revenue - Government enterprises derives its revenue from public funds derived from taxation, fees
and fines. While private organisations obtain their income principally from sales of goods or
provision of services.
3. Legal Formation - They are created an act of the National Assembly and thereby regulated by the act.
While private organisations are registered by the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) thereby
regulated by CAMA 2020.
4. Budget - The major concerns of the public regarding government enterprises is the Annual Budget
and how they are able to achieve the targets. While the major concerns of the public concerning profit
oriented organizations is their annual reports.
5. Accounting - Government Entities operates substantially on fund accounting and comply with IPSAS
cash or Accrual Basis. While profit oriented entities operate on IFRSs in their reporting.
6. Annual General Meetings - In government enterprises or MDAs, they do not hold annual general
meetings. All they do is public briefing on specific issues. While profit oriented entities hold AGMS
or Extra ordinary general meetings (EGMS) of shareholders to discuss the performance of the entity.
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Public Sector Accounting & Finance By: Yusuff Kabiru Aremu ACA; 08169069670 @APEX Professional Associates
Chapter 2
This is the Act of performing all responsibilities relating to the management of the economic resources,
Government Revenue and expenditure as it is provided for in the Budget, in an Accountable and
transparent manner.
The Act Which is Promulgated alongside other Laws as well in promoting the Fiscal Responsibility of the
Government. The Act Brought into law a Commission known as the Fiscal Responsibility Commission.
Its Functions
Composition
✓ A Chairman.
The Concept is saying that the estimated aggregate expenditure for each financial year shall not be more
than the aggregate revenue, and even if it will be above, the Deficit must not be more than 3% of the GDP,
or any percentage as determined by the National Assembly. But, expenditure in a financial year can
exceed the ceiling if, in the opinion of the President, there’s a Threat to the National Security of the
Nation.
The Federal Government, in conjunction with the states, shall prepare this before the End of every
Financial Year, A Medium-Term framework which will Cover a period of 3Years. That is why it is called
"Medium".
Content:
➢ A Macro-Economic framework setting out Medium term financial objectives for 3Years.
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Public Sector Accounting & Finance By: Yusuff Kabiru Aremu ACA; 08169069670 @APEX Professional Associates
➢ Fiscal Strategy Document. Setting out the Fiscal Policies for the Next 3Years. Eg. Taxation,
borrowing, investment.
The MTEF shall be the basis of the Annual Budget to be Submitted to the NASS. The Annual Budget
shall be Accompanied by the Following:
➢ A Copy of The Underlying Revenue and Expenditure for the Next 2Years.
For the budget to be executed, the following actions must take place:
1. Annual Cash Plan: To be prepared by the AGF, broken down into monthly inflows and outflows
and shall be reviewed periodically.
2. Disbursement Schedule: To be prepared and published by the Minister, within 30 days of the
budget approval.
3. Appropriation Act: Funds appropriated for specific purposes shall be used for that Purpose.
4. Virement approval: Submitted by the Minister of Finance to the National Assembly (NASS).
The Honorable minister of Finance shall do so with the consultation of the Populace concerning these
matters. The Consultation should be open to the public, the press, the citizens, etc.
➢ Bureau of Statistics
➢ National Assembly
➢ CBN
➢ Etc.
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Public Sector Accounting & Finance By: Yusuff Kabiru Aremu ACA; 08169069670 @APEX Professional Associates
This is the Main Aim of Fiscal Responsibility. That is, the Government is fiscally responsible to the
Citizens. The minister should make sure that monies appropriated for are spent as approved. Any issues
should be reported to the Fiscal Responsibility Commission and the Joint Finance Committee of the
NASS.
Public Revenue
This is the estimated revenue streams of the government and shall be broken down by the executive arm
of Government into monthly collection targets.
Public Expenditure
It is Required that Public expenditure must be kept below the Public revenue or at par. So that there will
not be Budget Deficit. But there are conditions which warrant increase in Government Expenditure. These
may lead to Public Debt (Public Debt is a separate topic on its own, we will treat it later).
• All the 3 tiers of government shall borrow only for capital expenditure or human development
purpose.
• The Proportion of the debt to national income (DTI Ratio) shall be held at a sustainable level or
as may be prescribed by the NASS.
• Government can borrow nationally (from the capital market) or internationally from other
countries or the world bank.
Interpretation of Borrowing
• The savings of each tiers of government in the federation shall be deposited in a separate account
which shall form part of the respective governments CRF to be maintained at the CBN by each
government.
• The CBN shall invest those savings in a consolidated manner clearly identifying the main savings
and income thereof.
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Public Sector Accounting & Finance By: Yusuff Kabiru Aremu ACA; 08169069670 @APEX Professional Associates
• The CBN in discharge of its obligations on investing those savings, observe the limits and
conditions agreed upon with the Minister of Finance and state commissioners of finance and the
local government treasurers.
Chapter 3
In this Chapter, We Are Gonna look at some of the Ethical Enforcement Agencies in the Nigerian Public
Sector, some of which we are aware of.
Bodies Like:
1. The EFCC
2. The ICPC
They Also enforce laws & other financial related commissions as well, like:
Their Jurisdiction transcends beyond 2002 and they have power to investigate both Private & Public
Officials.
Composition
2. A Director General.
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Public Sector Accounting & Finance By: Yusuff Kabiru Aremu ACA; 08169069670 @APEX Professional Associates
4. A Representative From each of the following Ministries (Not below the rank of a Director)
-Foreign Affairs.
-Finance
-Justice
Duties
5. Adopting Measures to identify, trace, freeze & Confiscate any proceeds from any fraudulent Activities
& terrorism.
Composition
The Body Consist of 12 Members, 2 Each from the 6 Geo-Political Zones of the Country.
5. A Woman.
7. A Chartered Accountant.
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Public Sector Accounting & Finance By: Yusuff Kabiru Aremu ACA; 08169069670 @APEX Professional Associates
They are appointed by the President, approved by the Senate & Must Declare their Assets & liabilities.
Tenure of Office
Immunity: An Officer of ICPC, when prosecuting a case shall possess the Immunity of A Police Officer,
when discharging his Duties.
Duties
Their own Jurisdiction is on Public Officers Only. And Any Cases Below Year 2000 when they were
enacted, they cannot Dig it.
Penalties
Most Of these offences attract 7Years Imprisonment, except for Few (Study your Text for Further Details)
1. A Public Officer shall not put himself in a Position where his Personal Interest conflicts with His
Duties.
2. A public officer shall not hold 2 Public Positions he receives salaries from, except its a Part Time
Job. However, no Public Officer is prevented from Farming.
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Public Sector Accounting & Finance By: Yusuff Kabiru Aremu ACA; 08169069670 @APEX Professional Associates
3. Public Officers like the president, the vice president, governors, vice governors, ministers, state
commissioners, members of the national or state assembly are prohibited from maintaining or
operating foreign Accounts.
4. No public officer after retirement from public service, while taking pension from public funds,
accept more than one remuneration position as a chairman or Director of a government controlled
company.
Paragraph 11 of the 5th Schedule of the Nigerian Constitution requires any Public Officer to Declare
Assets & liabilities 3Months from the Start of His Office, and at the end of His Tenure. Not only his own
Property, also the property of his Unmarried Children below the Age of 18.
• Declaration of Property.
Composition
➢ A Chairman.
Each of them must have reached 50 Years of Age Upon Appointment and Vacate Office At the Age of 70.
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Public Sector Accounting & Finance By: Yusuff Kabiru Aremu ACA; 08169069670 @APEX Professional Associates
Composition:
• A Chairman, and
✓ ️ To Ensure Due Process and transparency in the payments made by all Extractive industry
companies to the Federal Government through statutory recipients.
✓ ️ To monitor and ensure accountability in the revenue receipts of the federal government from
Extractive Companies.
✓ ️ To eliminate all forms of corrupt practices in determination, payments, receipts, and posting of
revenue to the Federal Government Purse.
✓ ️ To also ensure accountability and transparency in the use of resource received by the
Government.
According to Section 4 (1) of NEITI Act 2007, in each financial year, an Independent Auditor shall be
appointed to audit the total revenue accrued to the Federal Government for that year.
The Independent Auditors shall undertake a physical process and financial audit in such terms and
conditions as may be approved by the National Stakeholders Working Group (NSWG). Upon the
completion of the independent Exercise, the independent auditors shall submit reports together with
comments to NEITI, which shall be disseminated to the National Assembly and the Auditor General for
the Federation. NEITI shall also submit a bi-annual report of its activities to the President and National
Assembly.
2. Have power to recommend the annual budget and work plan of the NEITI.
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Public Sector Accounting & Finance By: Yusuff Kabiru Aremu ACA; 08169069670 @APEX Professional Associates
️ Giving false information regarding volume of production, sales and income: Conviction to a
fine not less than #30Million.
️ Not only that, such company shall be compelled to pay the actual amount in addition to the
penalty.
️ Failure to perform obligations under the act: The President may seize its operating licence.
This shall be constituted by the President and shall consist of a Chairman and no more than 14 other
members, one of whom shall be an Executive Secretary.
️ One member from each of the 6 Geo political zones of the Federation.
The Chairman and other members of NSWG, shall serve on Part time basis, Except the Executive
Secretary.
The Appointment of the Executive Secretary shall be for 5 Years and no more. He is on full time
basis as said earlier and shall be responsible for the day to day administration of the NEITI.
The NSWG shall meet on quarterly basis, or as deem fit by them, but not less than 4 times in a year. At
every meeting, the Chairman shall preside. Quorum at meetings shall be formed by 8 Members.
This is an arm of the Legislative Control. Established by 89 Constitution with the following Functions:
➢ Examining the Audited Accounts of the Federation Submitted to them by the AuGF.
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➢ To ensure that ministries and parastatals spend money in accordance with the approval of the
Legislative approval.
Roles of PAC
Weaknesses of PAC
Chapter 4
Like Private Entity, Government also embark on Purchase of Goods, maybe for Store Purposes or Capital
Projects. Also, this is where the Codes of Due Process will be Treated Extensively, known as The Public
Procurement Act, 2007.
Which are normally evidenced by agreement between 2 or more parties. In the public sector, construction
contracts are Capital Projects financed by appropriations from the Capital Development Fund.
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Public Sector Accounting & Finance By: Yusuff Kabiru Aremu ACA; 08169069670 @APEX Professional Associates
2. Contract Number
➢ A copy of the Minutes of the Tenders Board where the Contract is awarded.
➢ If its Supply of Goods, a Copy of Delivery notes and Store Receipt Voucher.
A Tender is a Proposal or bill for Supply of Goods, rendering of services or Execution of Capital Project,
Usually submitted on Invitation by Different Suppliers or contractors for further consideration. When they
are now submitted, a Board will be constituted to consider the one that will minimize the cost of
Government and Maximize the benefits of the Public.
Competitive Tenders
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Public Sector Accounting & Finance By: Yusuff Kabiru Aremu ACA; 08169069670 @APEX Professional Associates
If the tenders are not much, its still not competitive. But, where its competitive in nature, the following
procedures are followed:
❖ Advert.
❖ Open Bid.
❖ Award of Contract.
More explanation
❖ Contracts Above 10 Million should be Advertised in at least 2National Dailies 6months before
the Deadline.
❖ Then, open the bid at a date, where the Bidders themselves appear and the Press.
❖ Any contract Award above #20Million should be published in at least 2Dailies stating the
description, the price and the contractor himself.
❖ The Board should avoid contract Variations but if it occurs, it extends the contract up to 18
Months.
Not all Tenders are Competitive in Nature. It depends on the Amount involved, How Huge It is. Where it
is just Small Amount, they can go into Selective Tenders. Subject to the View of the CEO or The Head of
the MDA.
o Tenders are Submitted in a Sealed Envelope to the Secretariat at the Tender Board.
o After the Submission date, the Secretary of the board opens the Tenders under close
supervision of the Chairman or his Representative.
o Then, they will be numbered, duplicated, authenticated, and kept in a Safe Places.
o Selection is made based on past records, experience, qualifications, and quality if service.
o It is not necessarily the lowest bid have to be the best. Other things are considered.
o If per adventure, all the tenders are rejected by them, they call for another fresh application.
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Public Sector Accounting & Finance By: Yusuff Kabiru Aremu ACA; 08169069670 @APEX Professional Associates
o However, if one is recommended, all the bids shall be forwarded to the approving authority
with explanations as to why each of them is being selected and one recommended.
Awarding a contract
It is not the Responsibility of the Board to approve, just to recommend. So, after the Authority approved it,
they will communicate their position back to the tender board.
▪ Certified Copies are sent to the Accountant General of the Federation and The Auditor General
for the Federation.
Note: Not only Procurement, Disposals of Government Properties is also by tender as well.
Composition:
o Head of Service.
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2. NBA.
5. The Media.
Their Functions:
They:
Their Objectives.
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Chapter 5
This is a global organisation for the accountancy profession and dedicated to serving the public interest by
strengthening the profession and contributing to the development of strong international economies. IFAC
has 167 Members and associates in 127 countries around the world including Nigeria, representing
approximately 2.5 Million Accountants in public practice, education, government service, industry and
commerce.
IFAC provides structures and processes that supports the development, adoption and implementation of
high-quality international standards and supports the development of Accountancy profession in emerging
economies, speaks out on public interest issues where profession's voice is most relevant. ICAN is a
member of IFAC.
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2. To have Same Standards throughout the World, so that comparison can be made.
1. The United Nation: They conducted a Survey and recommended Improvements in PSA Systems
of Developing Countries should be made, most especially in the area of Budgeting.
2. The National Committee on Government Accounting, USA: They Issued a Report titled The
Blue Book which addresses “Government Accounting, Auditing and Financial Reporting
(GAAFR)”.
▪ Basis of Accounting,
Recommendation:
o Accrual Basis Should be Adopted in Government Enterprises and Parastals and for Capital
Projects.
Those 2 are the most Important ones out of the Pronouncements. However, Read The Remaining Ones
from the Pack. "The idea is just to Expose us a little to the General Scope of the Topic."
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Public Sector Accounting & Finance By: Yusuff Kabiru Aremu ACA; 08169069670 @APEX Professional Associates
6. PSA is only seen as a tool for Public Expenditure and Receipt. Neglecting the 3Es of the
Operation. Economy, Efficiency and Effectiveness.
In the Developed Countries like the USA and The UK, they keep making research on how to Improve the
System of PSA, but in Nigeria, we are Static. And that’s what made us to remain where we are up till now.
Chapter 6
This is an interesting and important topic as far as public sector is concerned, most especially in this Our
Country, where laws Guiding it has being changing over time.
Several Persons have being cheated over and over because they are deprived of their entitlements.
The Mgt of pensions has being less effective in Nigeria, until Obasanjo Regime, in 2004 who changed the
scheme and the phase of Pension and Gratuity Is Renewed Totally.
1. Section 173(3) of the Nigerian Constitution States that pension shall be reviewed every
5Years or whenever salary review is done (Whichever is earlier).
3. Section 85 (5) States that the President and the Vice President of the Federal Republic of
Nigeria Shall Receive Pension For Life, at the rate of the Annual Salary of the Incumbent
President, provided that Both of Them Are not Impeached.
New Pension Scheme (Contributory) - Wef July 2004. This is what your New Pack Incorporate.
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Public Sector Accounting & Finance By: Yusuff Kabiru Aremu ACA; 08169069670 @APEX Professional Associates
▪ To Assist Improvident individuals save in order to cater for their livelihood in old-age.
Improvident People are those Guys who Doesn't have the Culture of Saving. They Just Spend
money once it Comes and that's All..
▪ To Create Employment.
▪ To Develop A Uniform sets of rules for Pension Administration in both public and private sectors.
The Contribution
Before the new amendment, it was 7.5% of the Salary of the employee, contributed from Employer, and
Same from the Employee making a total of 15% on a monthly basis, Kept into the Retirement Savings
Account (RSA). But, the new Amendment is 18%, 10 from the Employer and 8 from the Employee.
Fully Funded
The New scheme is fully funded in the sense that immediately the deductions are made, they are
transferred into the Employee's RSA.
This is an Account which Employer must open for every employee, by Pension Fund Administrators.
Employee will have a Pin No allocated to his RSA. Withdrawal from the Account can only be made on
the Attainment of 50Years or Upon Retirement.
They are limited liability companies, registered under CAMA with the Minimum Share Capital of
#150Million, Licensed by The National Pension Commission (Pencom).
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Public Sector Accounting & Finance By: Yusuff Kabiru Aremu ACA; 08169069670 @APEX Professional Associates
✓ They pay retirement benefits to employees in Accordance with the Provision of the Act.
These are Licensed Financial Institutions (Commercial Banks), registered Under CAMA with a Minimum
Share capital of 5 Billion Naira. As their Name implies, they are the One Whom The Pension Funds are in
their Custody, the Middlemen btw the Company and The PFAs. They are the ones to open RSA, a Bank
Accounts for the Employee.
3. Then, They notify the relevant PFA of the receipts of credit into the RSA Account of the
Employee.
The Commission has its own composition, terms of office of its members, their duties, functions and
powers.
▪ Carry out public awareness and education on the establishment and management of the scheme.
The Commission shall consist of 6 members from the six geo political zones of the federation. They shall
be appointed by the President, ratified by the senate.
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They shall serve for 4 years per term and possible maximum of 2 terms.
▪ Voluntary Resignation
▪ Incapability
▪ Bankruptcy
The categories of persons exempted from the contributory pension scheme in accordance with
Section 5 (1) of Pension Reform Act 2014, are:
a. The categories of persons mentioned in Section 291 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of
Nigeria 1999 (as amended) including the members of Armed Forces, the intelligence and Secret
Services of the Federation;
b. An employee who is entitled to retirement benefits under any pension scheme existing before 25th
day of June 2004 and has three (3 )or fewer years to retire; and
c. Fully funded pension scheme.
a. Scope and coverage: The scheme applies to employees in both the public and private sectors.
Mandatory contribution is applicable to organisations in which there are fifteen (15) or more
employees (previously five (5) employees). This effectively reduces the number of employers and
employees that are likely to benefit from the scheme. Given the low level of contributors under the
scheme, this change is counter productive.
b. Basis of contribution: Contributions are now to be based on „monthly emoluments‟ being the total
emolument as defined in the employee’s contract of employment provided it is not less than the total
of the employee’s basic salary, housing and transport allowance. This definition is vague and could be
interpreted to mean that all items that are paid on a monthly basis (in addition to basic, housing and
transport) would form part of the base on which the pension rates are applied.
c. Rates of contribution: The rates of contributions to be made under the new Scheme by both the
employer and employee are a minimum of 10% and 8% respectively (7.5% of the employee’s
monthly basic, housing and transport allowances by both parties under the repealed Act). Again, this
will increase the cost of employment and may force many employers to take drastic measures such as
rationalisation of staff strength.
d. Commencement date: The Pension Reform Act 2014 (Act) was signed into law by the President on
July 1, 2014 with the same date as commencement date, does not give room for transition
arrangement and proper planning by affected employers.
e. Gaps in coverage: Only employers with a minimum of fifteen (15) employees are required to
contribute to the new Scheme. The Act provides that in the case of private organisations with less
than three (3) employees participation in the Scheme would be governed by guidelines issued by the
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National Pension Commission (PenCom). However, the Act is silent on the applicability of the
Scheme to private organisations with more than three (3) but less than fifteen (15) employees. Also
what happens to employers with five (5) to fourteen (14) employees regarding their past contributions
under the old Act?
f. Sole contribution by employers: The Act provides that an employer can take full responsibility of
the contribution but in that case, the contribution shall not be less than 20% of the employee’s
monthly emolument. This provision contradicts the combined contribution by both parties of 18%.
Employers will therefore be discouraged from taking full responsibility.
Under the new Scheme, every employer is required to Insure all his Employees' life against Sudden Death.
The policy is done on yearly Basis and the claim thereon shouldn't be less than 3 Times of the Employee's
Annual Emoluments. Note: This is what Replaced the Death Gratuity under the Old Scheme.
There are Number of Information in that Chapter. But, the Most Important Thing is Offences & Penalties.
Kindly Read It Up.
Chapter 8
Introduction
This is one of the Financial Policies Implemented by the Nigerian Government to consolidate all the
Inflows from all the MDAs in the Country Into a Single Account, situated with the CBN and Operated
through all the Commercial Banks of the Nation.
Objective: According to IMF, the primary Objective of this Forum is to ensure effective aggregate control
over Government Cash Balances. Since all the Treasury of the Nation is into One Pool, where Revenue
goes into and Expenditure flows out from.
Mode of Operation
✓ The CBN opens and activats the TSA in form of CRF where all Government Revenues accrue
into.
✓ All MDAs Remit their Daily Collections into this Account through the Commercial Banks.
✓ All Commercial Banks in the Country must make Sure they Transfer all Receipts to the TSA at
the end of every Working Day. The banks must make sure the accounts are empty.
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Benefits/Rationale of TSA
✓ Improve Accountability.
✓ Improve Transparency.
4. Internet Fraud.
Recommendations are:
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1. All states and Local Government should also Be persuaded to Adopt it. Not only the Federal
Government.
Introduction
An initiative introduced by the FG to enhance the effective Mgt of the Human Resources and Personnel
system. Like the name implies, a computer information system which Captures all information about the
Employees working for Government so that they can know what to pay in a month. With it, Nigeria can
Curb the menace of GHOST Workers. Which made Nigeria to save a Huge Millions of Naira since its
Implementation.
Mode of Operation
1. The Treasury.
2. The CBN,
3. Head of Service.
Benefits
This is the Reform Adopted to maintain the optimal mgt of Government Finances, as the name implies.
The fiscal processes are now Technologically Developed in a way to Reduce Corrupt Practices. With the
use of an integrated System, ALLOCATION, UTILISATION, ACQUISITION of Government Financial
Resources is Now Effectively Monitored.
Mode of Operation:
Handled by the Federal ministry of finance and the Office of The Accountant General.
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Benefits:
4. Increases Accountability.
Note: You will Discover something from The Benefits of the 2 Policies, There are some Like Terms Like
Reduction of Fraud, Accountability, Abolishment of Paper Work
Chapter 10
1. A means of Accountability.
2. As Performance Evaluator.
3. As Planning Tool.
4. Motivational Tool.
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Traditional/Incremental System
Under this Method, Next Year's Figures are derived by adding a percentage to the current year own.
Based on Factors Like Inflation, Trends of Economic Events, Available Funds.
Advantages
1. Simple to Understand.
2. Cheaper to produce.
Disadvantages
A method introduced by Peter Phyrr of Texas, Popularized by the former president of the USA Jimmy
Carter in 1976. Under this technique, resources are not allocated based on previous figures. All
Government expenditures are assumed to kick-start from the Beginning, From Zero. It is usually Used by
the Executive, legislative members, Government Ministries and Parastatals.
Process of ZBB
Those Points are the ones you Memorise, once you are able to Remember those points, developing them
into Sentences is not a problem.
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Advantages
OPPCRI.
3. Measures Performance.
4. Reduces Wastages.
5. Change is Allowed.
Disadvantages
1. It is not Good for Recurrent Expenditure, Therefore, it is not being successful in the Public Sector.
As the name implies, a technique in Government Come up with A Plan, Set up Different Activities to
Achieve the plan, and Provide for resources in Carrying out those Activities. The idea behind this system
is that the resources available are limited. So, Government do not just spend without a clear vision. There
should be a proper plan from the Onset. Of course, this also has a process to follow, like that of ZBB.
In the Pack, the Process of PPBS is Lengthy. But, I have Summarised below:
4. Select the Most Appropriate One by comparing its COST to its BENEFITS.
Note: From the name of the Technique self, u can define it and even come up with the Processes to follow.
Advantages of PPBS
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Disadvantages of PPBS
2. Paucity of Data.
5. Difficult to install.
A Budgeting System where the focus is more on the Outcome to be derived from it and not the Cost itself.
Features:
It's a continuous updating of a Mediumterm plan, designed for a specified PERIOD of time. If constraints
or Circumstances do not permit the projects to be completed, a FRESH plan will Emerge to accomplish
the Project. Until the project Completed. Example, Ajaokuta Steel Factory, has being continuous since
its inception. When new Government Emerge, he will bring it up back.
➖ Rolling Budget: Any Budget prepared within that Rolling Plan. Its a yearly provision of funds to
Supplement the Project.
➖Perspective Planning: This one is on long term basis, like 15years or so. For the DEVELOPMENT
purposes, and long term objectives. Periodic Budget: A FIXED type of budget which allows no
revision till the end of the year.
Flexible Budget: It CHANGES with the level of Activities and circumstances in the
Economy.
Capital Expenditure Budget: prepared for capital projects in the Public sector.
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This one is another Confusing Area of this Syllabus. But, I have Tried to make it Simple to remember.
Because, out of this Particular Chapter, ICAN have not Tested this Part
Ministerial Phase
Executive Phase
Legislative Phase
Presidential Assent.
In the Pack, they presented each phase in A Paragraph Format, but I have come turned it to A Model for
Easy Understanding.
The Board is headed by the Perm. Sec. Ministry of Budget and planning, to appraise each
proposals.
In Summary:
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3. The Ministers.
The President read out the Budget in the National assembly, on a meeting known as Budget
Session.
Where there is a CONFLICT, concerning some items, the 2Houses appoint a FINANCE
committee to harmonise.
Summary to this:
Presidential Assent
The budget is sent back to the president for his assent and that became an appropriation bill/act. (ie, must
be applied for the Coming year). Then, 2copies will now be sent across to all MDAs in the Country.
1. Human element
2. Inflation
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4. Changes in Government.
6. Fiscal Indiscipline.
8. Uncertainty of Data.
Explanation
1. Human Element - This includes the integrity and acceptability of the government functionaries that
are involved. The accountability, probity and reputation of the operative of the system will also affect
the success or otherwise of the budgets.
2. The Capability of the Nation - Logistics-wise, does the nation have the funds, quality human
resources, etc. to execute the projects? Efficiency-wise, are the functionaries efficient with the
nation’s resources?
3. Types of Projects - How successful a budget is depends on the type of project it relates to. Some
projects are popular while others are not. Those which are not popular may face stiff implementation
problem.
4. Inflation - Inflation reduces the purchasing power. When the value of money reduces,
implementation of the budget will be difficult since the revenues available will not be able to cover
the expenditure. Inflation will then make the budget to be poorly implemented for the fiscal year.
5. Political, Social and Cultural Elements - Problems do occur from cultural, social or political
activities since each segment of the nation has its own cultural beliefs and taboos which may take
longer time to ease out. Introducing innovations may be met with stiff opposition. Such a
development affects the budget implementation. As an example, some regions of the country
may not be willing to provide land for development purposes. Where there is political instability,
budget implementation is at risk.
6. External Factors - Nigeria as Nation does not operate in a vacuum. What happens in the global
economy of the world affects Nigeria directly or indirectly. For example, a fall in the price of crude
oil products will affect the economy of Nigeria, once Nigeria is unable to obtain its anticipated
incomes from oil sale such development will affect the budget implementation.
7. Government policy - To implement the budget, a lot depends on the Government. For effective
budget implementation, Government policy has to be harmonized and systematic. Frequent
changes of government policies affect budget implementation.
8. Lack of Proper Co-Ordination - The public sector budget implementation is hardly coordinated.
Therefore, Goals and objectives as planned may not be achieved.
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9. The problem of Debt Management and Optimal Use of Limited Resources - There is the problem
of what percentage of the nation’s income will be used to repay external and internal debts and
as well as for economic development.
10. Low Agricultural Output - Nigeria as an agrarian community ought to produce sufficient food for
her citizens but the following has reduced the nations agricultural output:
Therefore, funds which could have been used for economic development are diverted for the importation
of food items.
10. The Pattern of Consumption or attitude of the citizens- Most citizens prefer imported products to
the locally made ones, hence low patronage and the resultant effect is the closure of factories. Budget
implementation becomes a mirage.
11. Delay in the Release of Funds - Government sometimes delay the release of funds, especially for
capital projects. Money meant for capital projects are not released as at when due. This action leads to
delay in the development of the economy.
12. Fiscal Indiscipline - Most functionaries are budget maximizers. They tend to expend to the last kobo
available for the fear that smaller amounts may be approved in the subsequent year or years.
This is the Estimates of the other expenses in the State. It aligns with The Principle of Incremental
Budgeting where Current year estimates are increased based on Inflation Rate.
️ Revenue Budget
Aggregate of incomes to be Received each year. The main purpose of preparing it is to know how to plan
and what is to be spent. The objectives of this Budget are many. But the main one I can think of is to
Ascertain the Aggregate Income of the Government.
️ Cash Budget
Estimates of Cash inflows and outflows of the Government for a given period of time.
Advantages
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This is the Estimate of total basic salaries and allowances of staffs working in a government office.
Budgetary control
A System of control, making sure that incomes and expenses are in line with Budget provision and
Wastages are reduced to the barest minimum. This is done by Comparing Actual Results with the
Budgeted Results, resulting into Adverse or Favorable.
Surplus: when the expected income of the Government is higher than the estimated expenses. Which
is not Common.
Deficit: When the expenses exceed the Inflows of the Government. The Government should be able
to finance the 2cases.
Supplementary Estimates:
Budget is a mere estimate. No one knows what will happen in the incoming year. Money Budgeted to
each MDAs might not be enough as the year goes on. Circumstances might arise for extra funds. The
Estimates will be submitted by all MDAs to the Ministry of Finance and the minister lay them before the
national assembly for approval.
2. The need for it is Urgent that it cannot be delayed till the next Financial Year.
3. The need for it could not be foreseen when current budget is being prepared.
Virement: Transferring fund from an excess subhead to a Deficit Subhead of the same Head.
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Chapter 11
In anything someone carries out in life, for it to be so effective, we should be accountable and answerable
to another person. Or else, we do anyhow. This is especially important in Government Settings. Public
officers are Put in Several Offices, to cater for the Public Funds and Spend for Public Purposes. But,
without Accountability, there will not be Orderliness.
1. Rendering of Accounts: This one says Government Officers must Show Accounts on how Our
Monie is Being Spent.
2. Holding to Account: If they Give Account of Their Actions, there should be a way we can assess
them and hold them Responsible if they are found Wanting. They cannot just Give Us What they
like.
4. Assurance of Integrity.
When we talk About the Word Fiscal in Public Sector, we are referring to the general principles of
Budgeting, Spending and Collection of Revenue. This Concept is now Saying, in carrying out those
Critical Governmental Functions, there should be Transparency and Openness. No Hiding of Things.
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Explanation
1. Our Democratic System should be okay that if any officer Fucks Up, we will just Vote him out of
Power. With that, they will behave Well.
3. The media should be independent and active that they expose their wrong doings if necessary.
4. Poverty itself is a Disaster in our Society. A lot of people knows what is Right, but because they
are impoverished, because of the stipends they collect from all these politicians, they keep
Supporting them as of they are doing what's right.
5. The way we regard the Corrupt Leaders in our Society self is not helping the Situation. We Give
them Good Names and Celebrate them knowing they Embezzled our money to survive.
Upon all these Codes, Conditions, Measures, we still observe that in Nigeria, the Public Accountability
has not still being effective. WHY?
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4. Corruption.
Chapter 12
1. The Accountant General of the Federation (AGF): This Guy is the Chief Accounting officer of the
Federation, the one in charge of receipts, payments, custody of government resources. He is responsible
for supervising all accounts of ministries, extra-ministerial departments and agencies. At every year end,
he is expected by the laws of the federation prepares the Final Accounts of the Federation and Submit it to
the Auditor General for the federation for Audit.
Functions
a) He is the Chief Accounting officer for the receipts and payment of the government of the
federation.
b) Supervises the accounts of all federal MDAs and all arms of government.
d) Maintain and operates the federation account and federal government account (CRF).
e) Establishes and Supervises federal pay offices in each state capital of the federation.
f) Investigates cases of fraud, loss of funds, assets and store items and other financial malpractices
in MDAs and other arms of the government.
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2. The Auditor General for the Federation (AUGF): He is responsible for auditing and examining all
government accounts and records as supervised by the Accountant General. He is s Statutory Officer,
Meaning that He's Established by the Nigerian Constitution itself. Even the Accountant General of the
Federation is not established by the Constitution. But, Before we Move on, I will like to Give the
Relevance of the Word “For" attached to that name. The word For the Federation is very important
because it displays the Independent Nature of the Auditor General. That is, after he carried out his
independent examination on the financial statements of all MDAs prepared by the AGF, known as Audit,
he submits his report to the National Assembly, not to the President or Governor. Even the Internal
Auditors in Each MDAs do not submit their reports to the Head of the each MDA. They Submit to The
Auditor General.
Functions
a. He carries out financial audit in accordance with extant laws to determine whether records have
been faithfully kept.
b. Appropriation Audit – To ensure that funds are expended as appropriated by the national
assembly.
c. Financial Control Audit – To ensure that the laid down procedures are observed in tendering,
procurement of stores and assets.
d. Value for money audit – To ascertain the level of economy, efficiency and effectiveness derived
from government projects and programs.
3. The Accounting Officer: Every MDA or Government Office is an Accounting Unit, of which they
must account for all their activities within a year. So, the HEAD of all these MDAs are the Accounting
Officers. Though, the Position of the Accounting Officer keeps changing over time. Before now, they
were the Political Heads of MDAs, like the, Ministers in the Core Ministries, Managing Directors in
Extra Ministerial Depts and Agencies, Chairmen of Governing Council in Polytechnics, Pro-Chancellors
of Senate House in Universities. Those Ones are just the Political Heads, Ceremonial Heads appointed by
the Governor or President and they report to him. But, As soon as the Tenure for the president appointing
them lapse, their own tenure lapses as well. But now, The Accounting Officers are the Permanent
Secretaries in Various MDAs, who is a Career Person in that Ministry, who rose within the Civil Service
System from Lower level up to Level 17. He handles any technical matters in the ministry and account for
all resources in terms of Money, man, materials, machines etc.
In Universities - VCs.
In Polytechnics - Rectors.
a. He is responsible for safeguarding the public funds and expenditure under his control.
b. Observe and ensure compliance with checks and balances spelt out in the existing financial
regulations in public offices.
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c. He should note that his accountability does not terminate by leaving office and that he may be
called upon at any time to account for his tenure as the accounting officer.
d. Ensure that proper budgetary and accountability systems are established to enhance internal
control systems.
e. Ensure that essential management control tools are put in place to minimize waste and fraud.
f. Ensure safety and proper maintenance of all government assets under his care.
g. Renders monthly transcripts and other financial returns to the accountant general of the federation.
4. The Sub-Accounting Officer: The Head of Accounts Unit. Every MDA has functional Depts which
Account Dept is Among. So this Guy is the main person performing the Actual Accounting function in
that Ministry. They also have Different Names in different MDAs as well. Directors of finance in the
Core Ministries, Bursars in Higher Institutions. He maintains the Treasury Cashbook.
Functions
a. Ensures that the proper systems of accounts as prepared by the Accountant General is established.
b. Exercises supervision over the receipts and prompt collection of public funds.
c. He promptly brings into account, under proper heads and subheads, all receipts and payments.
d. Supervises all expenditure of government and ensure that no payment is made without proper
authorization.
e. Ensure supervision over all officers under his authority who are entrusted with the receipts and
expenditure of public funds.
Functions
a. Ensure Proper receipts of public revenue and prompt lodgment into banks.
b. Seeing that proper provision is made for the custody of public funds and securities.
6. Officer Controlling Expenditures: The former Guy up there receives monies for the Government,
but ministries will also carry out Expenditure as well. The issue of expenditure is very critical to the
Government and so needs critical care and control. This Guy is another person in account department as
well which makes sure they do not spend beyond the budgetary provision. Any Major Expenditure to be
carried out passes before his table so that he can verify and authorize it. Recall, In Chapter one, we learnt
Commitment Basis of Accounting, which is Peculiar to Government Accounts only. What the basis is
Saying is That Look, once an item of expenditure is provided for in the budget, we can issue out LPO or
letter of award to Suppliers or Contractors and Activities will be Carried out with out payment being
made. In that case, that shows we are committed to spend an expense even if we have not yet spent it.
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This Guy makes sure that all such expenses are recorded in advance in form of Liabilities in his own
Book known as The Vote Book. A very important Tool indeed. A Vote is a money provided for in a
particular Head (Expense) in the Budget.
Functions
7. Imprest Holder: Some Expenses are so Minute in nature, but are so frequent and Necessary at the
same time. They come to play often, in the day to day activities of the MDA. Such expenses, if to be
maintained through the Main Cashbook, will make it too Voluminous and Unnecessary as well. We keep
them through a separate Book in the Dept, maintained by another Guy as well in the Account Section.
The reason for this is because their is no payment Voucher for them. Their Vouchers cannot be presented
immediately to the Sub-Accounting Officer. Under this, we need to look at What Imprest Entails.
An Imprest
Imprest is a small amount of cash, set aside to meet petty cash payments whose Vouchers cannot be
presented immediately to the Sub-Accounting Officer.
In Practice, the Sub-Accounting Officer approves a certain amount of money to the Guy in charge from
the main treasury which he disburses for a month and retire the remainder for it to be reimbursed at the
end of the month.
Types of Imprest
• Special Imprest: Operated for a given objective. Once the object is achieved, the account is closed.
1. Application: It's subject to the application of the intending ministry from the AGF.
2. Then, it will be approved by the AGF, issued by The AO on the Authority of the Finance Minister.
(Annual General Imprest Warrant).
8. The Federal Pay Officers in Each States: This is the Eye of the AGF in every state. Every state
possess an Office known as the Federal Pay office where transaction btw the state and the federal
Government is settled without getting to the Federal Capital Territory. This reduces the Stretch of
Communication and Delay Tactics.
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Note: All those Officers more functions that listed above. In order not to defeat the purpose of this work
being a summarized note, I have brought out the most important ones out for you.
So, Read your pack for that. But, sincerely, this Little Piece of Information is okay as far as this topic is
concerned. The Rest of the topic is Calculation.
Chapter 13
Government spend money for the Sake of the Citizens, but this moneis are derived from somewhere,
through one mean or another. This chapter Covers Most of sources of Finances of Government. Which is
known as revenue or receipts. As liken To Income in Private Sector.
1. Tax
2. Fees
3. Fines
4. Grants
5. Foreign Investment.
6. Public Borrowing.
They Supervise both Upstream and Downstream Activities of Oil, with its 11 Strategic Business Units
including the entire spectrum of oil operations.
They Include:
Exploration
Drilling
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Production
Gas Development
Pipeline Maintenance
Refining
Distribution
Marketing
Petrochemical
Engineering
Commercial Activities.
Those Also Formed Their Functions. (Just Reframe). Read the Pack for More Details.
2. The Federal Inland Revenue Services (FIRS): This is the Operating Arm of FIRS Board. The
board that supervises and monitor the services rendered by the FIRS. They Administer the Following
Taxes: CITA, PPTA, CGTA and WHT of Companies, VAT, PITA of the Residents of Abuja, Armed
Forces and Foreign Diplomats.
Making Sure that their is Timely Remittance of Rents, royalties and other revenues due to the
Government.
4. The Nigeria Customs Services (NCS): It started as a paramilitary body, established under the British
Colonial Masters since 1891.
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It came into existence since the year 2004, in order to deliberate upon the allocation of the funds in the
Federation Account to the 3 Tiers of Government in Nigeria.
Composition
A Representative from the following 13 bodies, namely: NNPC, FIRS, DPR, NCS, CBN,
Federal Ministry of Finance, Head of Service, etc.
Their Functions
Composition
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Their Functions
To ensure that allocation made to the States and Local Government are Promptly, Fully and
legally Paid to the appropriate Accounts.
This idea behind this is because Allocations to a state and all the Local Governments in that state are sent
into A Joint Account. And the reason for this is Quiet Clear. There are 774 Local Governments In Nigeria.
It will be too Complicated for The Committee Sending their allocations separately. So, what they do is to
send the the ones for all the Local Governments in a particular State, together with the state own.
That means the State Government Has Influence over that of the Local Government. Recently, there's a
bill proposed in the National Assembly which advocates that Local Governments Monie Should Be Sent
Straight Forward to all the 774 Local Governments we have In Nigeria, without Reaching the hand of the
State 1st.
Composition
But, in the 1994, (When VAT was Established) there was a new Classification. Thus:
The Federation Account Is Established by S. 162 of the 1999 Constitution as a Distributable Pool
Account. Which means all monies remitted into it will have to be Shared Completely by the 3Tiers of
Government. And at the end of that distribution, no Kobo must remain in the Account. Their is A
Formula for the Sharing, though, keep Changing Time from time but we are going to Study that One in
Details, in a later topic. But, for Exam Purpose, the Formula will be Given.
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✓ Custom Duties.
An indirect form of tax collection and a transaction tax as well. It is remitted on monthly basis and
managed by the FIRS. Though, to be distributed among the 3 Tiers of Government as well, but VAT is
not incorporated into the federation account, it has a separate account simply because it has a different
sharing formula as follows:
C. Federal Government Account or The Consolidated Revenue Fund (CRF): A statutory Account
established by S. 80 of the Nigerian Constitution, which deals with the Day to Day Affairs Affairs of the
Federal Government only and not the whole federation as a whole. And that's what distinguishes it from
the Federation Account.
As said Earlier, this is also known as the Federal Government Account. Having considered the Sources of
Revenue to the CRF, the following are the Expenses to be made out of it:
a. All recurrent Expenditure. Eg, Personnel cost, Overhead Cost, Servicing of national debt.
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Development fund
This is specifically For Capital development Projects. The establishment of development fund was
solidified by the 1999 constitution of the federal government of Nigeria.
• External Grants.
• internal Loans.
• External Loan.
• General Administration.
Contingency Funds
This is to meet unforeseen Contingencies.
Inflows into it
Charges against it
Chapter 14
This one is saying That one of the Functions of The Government is to Spend, Agreed. But, there should
be an authority. There are 2 Forms:
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• Warrants.
1. Where AIE is that one Exercise by the Heads of the MDAs themselves. After Moneis are made
available to them From the Minister of the Finance. The Tool they use is The Payment Vouchers.
2. Warrant: A Document Issued by the Minister of finance to Various MDAs through the Accountant
General of the Federation.
Classes of Warrants
The Recurrent Own is that one issued for spending out from the CRF. While the Capital Own is that One
Issued to be able to Spend from the DEVELOPMENT Fund. Each of them has 7 Warrants Each. Only
that the Name differentiates them from one another. Once You know the one of Recurrent Expenditure
List, then, You apply it to Capital Expenditure. It's As Simple as that.
1. Provisional General Warrants (PGW): This one is Issued at the Beginning of the financial Year,
Before Budget is Approved. The idea behind this is that all the activities with in the state should not be
standstill until Government Approves Budget. Salaries needs to be Made, and other Activities.
• >The Maximum Period for it is 6 Months or until the budget is approved. Which ever is Earlier
• >Also, the Amount must not be more than the same amount spent for that same period in the
previous year.
2. Annual General Warrant (AGW): Issued When the Budget is approved, to the Accountant General
of the Federation, instructing all Officer Controlling Expenditures in each MDAs to start spending.
3. Reserve Expenditure Warrant: Some Moneies are excluded from the Annual General Warrant AGW,
ie, Reserved. So that the Minister can Exercise Control over them. When Expenses are to be made out of
those Reserves, this warrant serves that purpose.
4. Supplementary General Warrants: This One is Used to Back up spending from a Supplementary
Budget of Governments.
6. Supplementary (Statutory) Expenditure Warrant: Some Funds are created by A Separate Statute.
Eg. TETFUND, PTF.... Any Expenditure relating to those Kind of Purposes, (eg, Education) is
Supplementary to the main Fund Already Provided.
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7. Virement Warrant: Virement is the Act of Moving Money from One Surplus Fund to Another
Deficit Fund of The Same Ministry/Head.
Provided that:
Note that all warrants are issued in 2 copies. Th Original copies to be forwarded to the Accountant
General of the Federation while duplicate will be forwarded to the Auditor General.
This connotes the various checks put in place to ensure that all money received are accounted for as
appropriate. The following will assist:
Expenditure Control
They are strings of coordinated actions which have to be taken into consideration in government offices in
order to ensure that all expenditure are wholly reasonably exclusively and necessarily incurred for the
purpose for which they are meant for.
1. Executive Control
2. Legislative Control
3. Ministry of finance control
4. The Treasury Control
5. Departmental Control
6. Office of the Auditor General for the Federation
1. Executive Control
This Comprises of the President himself and his cabinet members. They are responsible for both
economic and political administration of the economy of the country.
• According to S.81(i) of the constitution, the president shall prepare and lay down before the
National Assembly the budget of the following financial year.
• In order for him to satisfy this responsibility, he also appoints a cabinet committee on estimates to
advise him on contemplated policy measures.
• The Policy measures contemplated are then transmitted to the budget department in the
presidency.
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• The will lead to the issuance of the issuance of guidelines for budget preparation.
• As a result, effective supervision is exercised on all agencies involved in the budget preparation.
• Any unit of government whose requirements are higher than the control figures already issued, is
invited to defend the excess request.
President – Cabinet committee – Budget Preparation – Policy Measures.
2. Legislative Control
The National Assembly is the supreme authority on matters of the nation’s finance. All actions carried out
by the president are checkmated by the legislative arm. Their Control is in 2 forms:
a. Ante-Natal – Approval of the budget submitted by the president.
b. Post-Natal – Review of the transaction after payment.
No amount can be spent from the public fund without the approval of the National Assembly. However,
S.82 of the 1999 constitution empowers the president to spend from the CRF in order to run the
administration of the government pending the time the budget will be approved or within the period of 6
months, whichever is earlier.
Every MDAs present their estimates to the minister of finance, he then passes them to the president. The
president present them to the federal executive council for approval, then they are now presented to the
national assembly as budgets or appropriation bill. The Minister of finance exercises his own control
through warrants.
This is the office of the accountant general of the federation. They are to keep necessary books of
accounts to record all receipts and transactions of the various MDAs. Some of the controls are:
5. Departmental Control
Every MDA as well must play their quota in controlling expenditures through the use of vote book. The
officer controlling expenditure in that MDA must make sure there us no extra budgetary spending of
government fund through vote checking.
The Auditor General for the Federation exercises control over all accounts and books prepared and report
any irregularity, mismanagements, fraud, wastage, extravagant to the national assembly. Though, his duty
is post-payment audit except in the case of pension and gratuity where he performs prepayment audit.
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Chapter 15
Preparation of Vouchers
A voucher is a document which evidences a Receipt or payment of money. The Financial Regulation
specifically states that no payment should be made out of Government Purse with out a Payment Voucher.
Types of Voucher
• Payment Voucher
• Receipt Voucher.
• Adjustment Voucher.
Payment Voucher
This is the most important of all. As i have being reiterating it from the last 2chapters that, in Government
Sector, Payment create more attention than Receipts. This is a document which is used as an Evidence for
the Purchase of Goods, rendering of services and carrying out of Contracts.
Authorisation and
Documentation.
Then, after the PV is raised and Authorised, Cheque will now be issued out from the Treasury Unit of
accounts department.
Features of A PV
▪ Date
▪ PV Number
▪ Cheque Number.
▪ Description of Payment.
▪ Classification Code.
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▪ Signature of Authorising Officers, like MD, Accountant, internal Auditor, Officer Controlling
that Expenditures.
Rules Guiding a PV
According to Financial Regulation, the Sub-Accounting Officer Shall not make any payment against any
voucher except:
▪ No Erasure or Cancellation.
▪ A Thick Horizontal Line before and after the Amount in Figure and In Btw the Amount in
Words.
It is the Responsibility of the Accounting Officer to make sure that proper Documentation is made
concerning all payment Vouchers.
2. If payment has being issued, it should be Ascertained whether cash has been drawn or still in
hand. (To Avoid Double payment).
Receipt Voucher
For receiving of Government Fund. This one does not have much gravity.
Adjustment Voucher
This is used for any adjustment without a visual transfer of cash receipts or payment. It's used for the
Following Circumstances:
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▪ Re-Classification of Accounts.
• � Voucher Number.
▪ Payment Voucher.
▪ Pay in Voucher.
▪ Receipt Voucher.
▪ Adjustment Voucher.
▪ Salary Voucher.
Chapter 16
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Depending in the complexity of the Organisation and kinds of Service they render. The cash office is a
Sub-section under ACCOUNT Department of every MDA, where Issues Regarding Custody, receipts and
payments of Cash, or drawing of Cheques takes place. Otherwise known as the Treasury Unit.
✓ The Cashbook.
✓ Payment Vouchers.
✓ LPO
• All security Documents must be constantly checked and Kept in a safe place.
Everyone should be able to think of two or more Functions relating to Cash that this Guys perform. Even
without Cramming it.
o Receipt and payment of Cash. Either through cheque or transfer. (Cashless policy)
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Chapter 17
An Accounting Unit is regarded as an entity of Government through which Accounts and records are
maintained. So, in each Accounting unit, there's an accounting officer who is the Head of that MDA.
1. Self-Accounting Unit.
2. Sub-self-Accounting Unit.
3. Non-self-Accounting Unit.
From the Word Self, An MDA that prepares its accounts and records by itself That is, From the
Beginning of the Accounting Information till the Final Account. They Sign Pv on their own, they
authorise payments and, draw cheques without referring to the Treasury. An Mda that has Full Control
over its Accounts and Records. However, they prepare Transcripts (Returns) and send it down to the
Treasury on monthly basis. Though, in practice, its not that frequent.
According to Fr 102, before an Mda can be self-accounting, the following conditions are very important:
1. Adequate Qualified Staff: The Unit should have adequate qualified staff.
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1. Workload: It reduces the workload of the Top Mgt. Ie, the Accountant General can not prepare
the Accounts of the whole MDAs.
3. Difficulty in Coordination.
6. Sub-Obtimality in the System - (As opposed to Goal Congruence). When the division is going
against the goals of the Head.
7. Conflict in Interdependent Ministries - For example, Ministry of Interior, That ministry has Sub-
Departments and Agencies that are not of same activities, Like:
So, Putting accounts of those interdependent agencies together under one ministry might not be effective
enough because they have different activities they administer.
3. Schedule of Pvs.
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4. Schedule of Expenditure.
Sub-self-Accounting Unit
They are the same with Self Accounting Unit. Only that this one sends down additional documents
together with transcript to the Treasury.
Non-Self-Accounting Unit
A Unit which has no Control over their Accounts. They only keep memorandum accounts and records of
their Reciept and payments.
o No Cashbook
o No Transcript.
They do so by raising PV, but could not approve the PV by themselves. Except they send it down to the
Treasury for Payment. The Reason for that is because they lack those 3 Conditions earlier stated for A
Self Accounting Unit.
Example: The Code of Conduct Bureau in each States, the bursars in Government Secondary and Primary
schools.
Transcript
It is the Summary of total receipts and payments as posted in the Cashbook. A means by which
information of Cash transactions reach the Office of the Accountant General.
CSASG
❖ Cashbook Verification.
❖ Sorting of Pvs.
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❖ Analysis Book.
❖ Generating Transcript.
Explanation on it:
✓ The 1st Step is for the officer to compare both the receipts and Pvs with the Cashbook whether they
are Correct.
✓ Then, the total of each head and Subheads posted in the Analysis Book on columnar basis. The
Balance must Jive with that of the Cashbook.
✓ Then, the Pvs should be listed out according to their classification, whether its below the Line or
above the line. Scheduling
✓ The final Step is to now prepare Transcript out of those PV Schedules. Generating transcript.
Types of Transcript
1. Main Or Cash Transcript: The Particular transcript prepared by a Sub accounting Unit and
Submitted to the Treasury. Its called Cash Transcript because the other 2 are not for Cash
Movement. They are just for Adjustment Purposes.
2. Supplementary Transcript: This is Prepared to carry out a major adjustment to the MAIN
transcript. Prepared in double entry form, adjustments in the sense of may be Over statements or
Understatement of Figures
3. Subsidiary Transcript: In order to correct errors and omissions from the main Transcript.
Transactions that can be easily estimated from the Beginning of the Year and so, included in the Budget
for the Year. They are Expenses per se.
Items that cannot be Duly estimated as at the Beginning of the Year, and because of that, not provided for
in the annual Budget. The Question is If they are not provided for in the budget, where do they surface?
They are provided for in the Supplementary Budget. They are not Expenses in Nature but surface in the
cashbook, because there is a Movement of Cash. Example are Advances, Deposits, Loans, remittances,
cash transfers, etc.
Note: Study the calculations of transcript in the pack, for more understanding.
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Chapter 18
Stores are all movable items purchased with Public funds or otherwise acquired by Government. No
Much Discussion on that. Lets move to the nitty gritty of the topic.
As the Chief Accounting Officer of the MDA, he is responsible for any Loss of store and other
Government Property in his care. Because of that, he should put Adequate stock Control and accounting
procedures over the Receipt, Custody, Issues and Disposal of Store items.
Classes of Stores
A. By Allocation
1. Allocated Stores: From the word Allocation, right from purchase, we already knew where they are
going to. As they are not acquired for general use. They are specifically for the USER Dpt that requested
for it.
2. Unallocated Store: The Name will always reveal the meaning. These ones are for General Usage,
Kept in large quantities for periodic requisition from the Depts in the MDA.
B. By Useful Life
1. Non Expendable: These are Stores of Non Current Assets which last a good Number of Years. Eg. Mv,
P&M.
2. Expendable Stores: They are Semi Permanent in nature and last a shorter period of years. These are
not Kept in Government Custody, rather in the users custody. Eg. Shovel, Kits, Brushes, Apparatus.
3. Consumables: They cease to be store items once Issued to the User Dept. Because they are put into
Immediate Use and for usual day to day activities. Eg. Stationery, soap.
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Sources of Store
Returned Store.
Before Payment can be made on stores, the following actions must be taken into consideration. The Store
Keeper must certify that Stores items meet all Specifications included in the purchase order. Then, he
suppose to send some sets of Documents for raising of PV.
➢ -A copy of store receipts voucher issued to him which must be authorised by the store officer.
▪ It Starts with Store Requisition Voucher (SRV) duly signed by the Officer authorised to incur
expenditure.
The Process starts with the Submission of Purchase Requisitions by the User Dept or Storekeeper, as the
case may be, to the Purchase Manager. Ie. If Its Allocated Store, It will be the User Department. If its
Unallocated Store, it will be Storekeeper.
▪ He will 1st obtain approval for the Purchase of Such Items from the Officer Controlling Votes of
Such Item.
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▪ Then, constitute a Tender Board for the consideration of such tenders. (We will do this Much
better in the Next Chapter, Public Procurement)
▪ After one person is then approved, issue him LPO or letter of Award for supply of Goods within
the time frame.
In Summary.
✓ Purchase Requisition
✓ Approval
✓ Market survey/Quotation.
✓ Tender Board
Note: The duty of the tender board is to recommend but not to approve. Its the Head of that MDA that
approves.
❖ Bin Cards: Kept by Every Store Keeper. Its only Units of What Enters in and Goes Out recorded
Here.
❖ Store Ledgers: Kept by the Store Officer, the higher boss who is in charge of various categories
of Stores. Separate ledgers for each category. Its in here that Values and Units Appear.
When there is a loss in the Government store, it should be ascertained whether its material or not. Loss
can be written off on the authority of the Accounting Officer provided that:
❖ Not theft.
❖ No Weakness in ICS.
✓ Cleaning.
✓ Securing.
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By Accounting Officer
By the AGF/AUGF
By the Storekeeper
2. Obtain the Copy of that Police Report Up there and forward it to the A. O as well.
(Note: Actions 1 – 4 are same with That of The Store Keeper). If u know, u know.
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4. Makes sure that an account officer or an internal Auditor is a member of the Board of Survey.
Stock Taking
It is the Physical Count of items in the Government Stocks by a body set up to do so. Also known as
Stock Survey. Every Accounting Officer must ensure that periodic stock taking is carried out at least,
once in a year. The officers carrying this out are called Stock Verifiers. However, in the absence of stock
verifiers, a board of survey must be constituted by the ministry of finance on the application of the AO.
They are required to carry out a minimum of 40% Stock Takings if there is no Infraction. But, in a
suspicious Situation, they carry out 100%.
The 1st Condition is for the Store to be Closed Down. What if There's is a Requisition during the Period?
Answer: Any requisition during the exercise will be issued with the approval of the Board President.
1. Board of Survey over Cash and Bank Balance. (We did this Under Chapter 16, loss of
Government Funds).
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Board of Enquiry
This is Set up only when there is Stock Loss in order to take investigation. Not in all circumstances. Note
the Differences between the 2 Boards. Board of Survey, whether there's a loss, or not. But, this One is
Strictly for Stock Loss.
▪ If it involves a syndicate.
▪ Where the officer responsible for it can be easily identified.(There's no point in setting a Board
Naaa ♂. Just pick the Guy and throw him where be belongs).
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✓ Misappropriation of fund
✓ Theft.
✓ loss of cash.
✓ negligence
✓ Fraudulent Payment.
✓ Falsification of Age.
The Accounting Officer can surcharge the officer in Charge to the full amount.
1. The AGF,
2. The AUGF,
Such Loss shall be charged as Personal Advance Pending the time Action is Taken on it with the decision
of the Federal Loss Committee.
This is the Committee in Charge of all cases involving loss of cash, stores and vehicles.
Composition
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✓ AGF.
✓ EFCC.
✓ Also, the Board of Enquiry might also be set if the conditions are met.
Chapter 20
Types of Audit.
️ External Audit:
An Independent Examination Process carried out on the Financial Statements, by a Qualified Person and
Established by Statute. Although, its provided in the Nigerian Constitution that the AUGF has power to
Vouch the financial Statements of The MDAs and Public Parastals. But, by laws creating those Parastals
they also have the Authority to appoint an Audit Firm to Examine their records as well, whose tenure lasts
for 4Years, subject to renewal.
️ Internal Audit:
An Independent appraisal of the activities within the organisation, for the review of Accounting and other
operations as a service to the Organisation.
• The Activities are Conducted in an Economic, effective and efficient Manner. EEE.
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i. Prepayment Audit.
v. Internal Investigation.
1. Annual/Statutory Audit: Carried out once in a year, by an external Auditor and required by Law.
2. Adhoc/Special Audit: A "One off" assignment arising from a special Request and not statutorily
backed up.
3. Prepayment Audit: Carried Out be An Internal Auditor of the organisation before payment is
made.
4. Post Payment Audit: This is carried out by both Internal and External Auditors, after payment has
being made to ensure whether what is paid for is being performed or not.
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5. Interim Audit: As the name implies, carried out by an external auditor during the year, in order to
reduce the workload of the year End.
6. Final Audit: Carried out to finalise the part work done during the year.
7. Vouching Audit: Checking the adequacy of the Supporting Documents of a transaction. Eg,
receipts are traced back to ledgers.
8. Verification Audit: To Confirm whether Public Assets exist in the Accounts and not converted to
private own.
10. Operational/System Audit: To Evaluate the Operational Activities of the Management and the
service rendered to the Public.
As the name implies, It's a review if financial transaction to make sure that's adequate benefits are
received for the money spent on a particular project. Whether Resources have being Utilised
Economically, Efficiently and Effectively (3 Es). This is Very important to the Public Sector As most of
the Projects are not for Profit Derivation.
4. Compliance Test.
5. Substantive Test.
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The Guy is an External Auditor to the the MDAs on behalf of the public. The Only Statutory Officer
amongst the list of Finance Officers. What that means is that his establishment, appointment, scope of
work, tenure, terms of office and removal is Spelt out in the Constitution. He Examines the Records and
Accounts Submitted by the AGF and his report is Laid before the NASS.
His Duties:
• Appropriation Bill Audit - Whether money are spent according to the Budget.
His Appointment
His Removal
➢ Due to Gross Misconduct: Even with that, the President who appointed the Guy can not just
remove him at his own will. It has to be backed up with 2/3 Resolution of the Senate, since upon
appointment, they had hand there.
➢ Ill health.
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Chapter 22
Although, the Local Government is the 3rd tier of Government, but their accounting pattern is slightly
different from that of federal and state Governments, because of some activities they engage in.
✓ -Primary Education,
o Statutory Sources,
o Permissive Sources,
o Incidental Sources.
Statutory
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Permissive
1. Tenement Rate.
Incidental
4. Donations
As it is in the upper Tiers, local Government as well has their administrative structure with which they are
run.
1. The Chairman
3. Supervisors.
4. Treasurer.
5. Secretary.
The Chairman
He is the chief accounting officer of the local Government. As stated in the Civil service and local
Government reform.
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He acts in behalf of the Chairman. The chairman assigns duties to him as he deems fit. He may even be
appointed as supervisor in certain functions.
He liaises with the secretary to the State on matters relating to the Local Government.
He is the secretary to the Executive arm of the Local Government and maintains minutes of
meetings.
Sign all contractual Agreements, eg. LPO and other Related Documents as approved by the
chairman.
The Treasurer
Empowered to control and manage the Council's Finances. According to the Civil Service and
Local Government Reform, he has the following Functions:
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5. Supervisors
The Supervisors are Like the Ministers and Commissioners @ Federal and State Level. Each local
government has Several Departmental Functions as well. So, these Guys are The Political Heads of those
Departments. They are not the Administrative Heads and are not allowable to Internal/technical Affairs
because they are not Groomed in those Affairs. Same way the Ministers and commissioners form the
Cabinet/Executive Council with the President/Governor as the Case may be, in the higher level, they also
form the Local Council Cabinets together with the Chairman, (Their Boss that Appointed them.)
➢ They are automatic members of the finance and general purpose Committee.
-Finance Dept
-Personnel Mgt
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Note: Those Departments have their Administrative Heads who are The Permanent Secretaries in the
Local Government. Their Own Tenure Grows Longer there until they Retire.
• They perform same functions as that of Higher Governments but in a smaller scope.
• Approval of LG Budgets.
3. No interest on loan.
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Chapter 23
What is common with Government Accounting is that it is usually prepared using Cash Basis of
Accounting. But, in recent times, there is a shift from Cash to Accrual Basis, which has made Most
Governments in the World to adopt Accrual Basis and set aside the Usual Cash Basis.
I could remember in the Year 2015, Ogun State Government of Nigeria, under the leadership of His
Excellency Governor Ibikunle Amosun, was the first to adopt same, being A Chartered Accountant by
Profession. So, this shift has made most Accounting Treatment of transactions in the Public Sector to look
like that of Private sector and some new IPSAS have been issued to promote this Practices.
• IPSAS 3 - Accounting Policies, changes in Accounting Estimates and Errors - Same as IAS 8
Same As there were in Your FINANCIAL REPORTING Studies. Nothing Significantly Different. The
Only Different Idea in That Topic is IPSAS 24 - Presentation of Budget Information in The Financial
Statements. A Statement that is comparing Budgeted Figures with Actual Amounts.
According to IPSAS 1, The following are the Components of The Financial Statements
6. Lastly, Statement of Comparison of Budget and actual Amount. (This makes the difference
between IAS 1 And IPSAS 1).
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So, the same Items you have in these Statements as you have them in your Financial Reporting Studies.
Though, terminologies and Arrangement may be different, but that's not a big deal.
Kindly study the format of each account from the pack and calculations thereon.
Chapter 25
These are public agencies established by Government for the purpose of rendering services, carrying out
projects for the citizens. Though, these sets of organisations are not primarily for making profits, however,
they charge citizens for services provided at a very durable prices in order to cover the operating cost.
They have Managing Directors, executive Directors and general managers as their head. Eg. PHCN, NRC,
NEMASA.
Their Features
Each Parastatal or corporation has its enabling Act. Ie, the Law that brought them into being, which states
the Following :
o -Principal Officers.
o -Supervising Ministry.
o -Source of funds.
o -Organogram
All corporation has its own supervising Ministry. (eg, Ministry of power supervising PHCN, ministry of
transport supervising NRC). Any corporation/Parastatal has its sources of fund, with which they fall back
on. Though, they charge Costs, but they also receive Grants and Subventions from the Government. They
Use Accrual Basis of Accounting and Allows for Depreciation. They Recognise Non Current Assets in
their Book.
Note: They are not limited liability companies, they are not Guided by CAMA. Because their names does
not end with Plc or Ltd.
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1. Public Utilities: They are Parastals providing Services to Citizens at Low prices. Eg. PHCN, NRC,
NEMASA.
3. Government Business Enterprises: These are government entities that carry out normal business
activities like private entities. They sell goods and provide services at a profit or full cost recovery. They
have the power to contract in its own name and not reliant on continuing government funding to be a
going concern.
Hospital Accounting
Features:
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4. Other Final Accounts like statement of financial performance, statement of financial position, and
cashflows statements are prepared for Stewardship Purpose.
❖ Capital Subvention.
❖ Recurrent Subvention.
❖ Charges.
❖ Miscellaneous Revenues.
✓ Property Ownership.
Sources of Funds:
✓ Sales of Land.
✓ Professional Services.
✓ Miscellaneous Income.
Note - Kindly study the format of each account from the pack and calculations thereon.
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Chapter 26
The Figures in the Financial Statements of an organization will be useless to a layman if not interpreted
and analysed. The Language of accounting must be broken down to a wide range number of persons who
need information about the organisation’s performance to make decision. Users should be able to draw
conclusion, following the interpretation, on the following areas:
• Profitability
• Solvency
• Financial strength
• Gearing
• Liquidity
This is done in a simple percentage way by comparing previous year’s figures with this year’s. We may
also express a percentage of an expense over total expense or figures of one quarter compared to another.
Performance Reports
According to IPSAS 24, entities are required to present a comparison of the budgeted amount for which is
held publicly accountable with actual results. This comoarison should be prepared separately for each
level of legislative oversight.
Cashflow Statements
Neither the statement of financial performance nor the statement financial position gives a satisfactory
explanation of how business obtains and uses its cash. This can only be revealed through cashflow
statements under 3 heads known as:
a. Operating Activities
b. Investing Activities
c. Financing Activities
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Ratios Analysis
This is a measure of entity's performance and it is a relationship between two or more items to present
financial information in a more understandable form.
`Ways of comparison
1. Probability Ratios
✓ ROCE
✓ ROA
✓ ROE
✓ Gross Profit Margin
✓ Net Profit Margin
✓ Overhead percentage
✓ Net cost plus
4. Current ratio
5. Quick or acid test ratio
3. Efficiency Ratios
Gearing ratio
Interest Cover
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Chapter 31
It is not possible that every citizen in the country involves in decision-making process. What is necessary
is to appoint some representatives who will be responsible for that, on behalf of the masses, either through
election or recommendation. It is this group of representatives that is referred to as Government which
operates through an institution known as the Public Sector. The degree of government involvement in
economic activities in terms of total outputs produced or income generated varies from one country to
another depending on the political philosophy and economic practice of that country. In some country,
public sector dominance is prevalent, while in some countries, public sector is less noticeable. However,
some countries operate a mixed economy where both public and private sectors Interact in an integral
fashion for the growth and development of the economy, example is Nigeria.
In Nigeria, the public sector covers both Public Services and Public Undertakings.
• Defence
• Maintenance of law and order
• Provision of in infrastructure such as roads, railways, and water supply, electricity, education, health
facilities, etc.
However, the public sector does not exist and cannot succeed on isolation especially in a mixed economy
like Nigeria because the private also plays significant roles in a successful economy. Private sectors are
characterised by nongovernmental organisations and corporations, individuals and companies. In this
sector, resources are privately owned and used for profit maximisation.
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Micro-Economics
An aspect of Economics that deals with the behaviour of consumers, suppliers, and industries. This
Studies the Factors influencing:
Macro-Economic
This is the study of the economy as a whole. It deals with aggregate Factors such as: National Income,
Inflation, Growth and Development, Unemployment, BOP. This 2 Categories of Economics Divided any
Country's Economy into Private and Public Sectors. The Micro Economic Deals with the Private Sector,
while the Macro deals with the Public Sector.
Nigeria presents an illuminating example of a developing mixed economy. The economy is mono-cultural
and almost entirely dependent on the extraction and exportation of crude petroleum. Nigeria has operated
a multi-level system of government for over five decades. The fiscal structure involves the allocation of
expenditure responsibilities and taxing powers among the Federal, State and Local Governments as
embodied in the Nigeria 1999 Constitution.
The public sector plays a significant role in the management of the economy at all levels of development.
The Nigerian experience in fiscal federalism, however, reveals that revenue allocation has always been a
subject of controversy and various revenue Commissions have been set up to look into the allocation
formula. Specifically, there have been discordant voices from different parts of the country on what to
give priority; derivation, population or absorptive capacity.
Unfortunately, revenue - diversification capacity is low at all levels of government and statutory
allocations from the Federation Account remain the most important source of revenue to the lower levels
of government. Adoption of deficit budgets is widespread and fiscal operations of governments have
resulted in overall deficits in the attempt to provide many social goods and services simultaneously.
In a nutshell, the Nigerian economy is characterised as a mixed economy because both the private and the
public sectors are involved in the ownership, control and allocation of production resources. Also, the
economy is mono-cultural in the sense that the oil sector alone contributes over 90% of the foreign
exchange earnings annually since 1970s till date.
Nigeria is a nation endowed with abundant human resources, by reason of its size of population and
growth rate of population. Perhaps much more, it has in abundance natural resources, notably vast land,
crude oil deposits, bitumen, iron ore etc. Except for crude oil, these resources have remained largely
unexploited, a situation which has kept or consigned Nigeria to be so classified as a developing nation. a)
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a) Low levels of living standard, characterized by low incomes inequality and widespread poverty
incidence.
b) Low levels of productivity of factor inputs, especially of the labour and capital resources.
c) High rates of population growth and dependency burdens.
d) Low levels of literacy, significant school dropout rates and inadequate and often irrelevant
educational curricula and facilities.
e) Inadequate investment in human capital development and skill acquisition.
f) High and rising levels of unemployment and underemployment.
g) Technological dependence and low technological capability to harness sufficiently available
resources.
h) Heavy dependence on primary-product exports especially crude oil
A developing economy is generally characterized by the prevalence of imperfect markets and limited
information. Hence, in some cases the market mechanism fails entirely, while in others it can function
only in an inefficient way. This provides a fundamental basis for governmental intervention and role,
especially in developing countries.
• The allocation function relates to the provision of social goods, or the process by which total resource
use is divided between private and social goods and by which the mix of social goods is chosen.
• Government has to provide for public goods such as national defence, basic infrastructure (roads,
bridges, rail lines etc) and government administration. These goods cannot be provided through
market mechanism but are essential for consumers. Government has to provide them by allocating
resources to these public goods accordingly.
• Human capital investment, by way of substantial government expenditure in education and health,
offers much the most important part of public capital formation. Allocation roles of government are
particularly justified in view of positive externalities and quite promising social rate of returns
derivable from these investments.
• Some development projects are of strategic importance to the economy e.g. iron and steel
development projects, dams and irrigation projects, power supply etc. These projects have high
prospects of promoting growth, employment generation and poverty alleviation, rapid
industrialization and sustainable growth and development. Private sector investment may not be
forthcoming and inadequate for these projects, requiring heavy capital outlay and involving long
gestation period. In this type of investment, it makes economic sense for government to intervene by
allocating public resources to the sector.
Government involvement in the economy can be explained by any or a combination of the factors
highlighted below:
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d. Legal Structure
e. Externalities
f. Economic Objectives
1. Public Goods: These are goods and services whose consumption is not in rival relationship or
competitive in nature. Everyone must benefit from it whether you are a taxpayer or not, or whether
you are wealthy or not.
2. Private Goods: These are goods and services whose consumption is competitive and specific
conditions must be satisfied before consumers can enjoy the benefit.
• Non-rival consumption - Generally public goods refer to those goods whose consumption is not in
rival relationship. This implies that consumption by one individual will not cause a decline in the benefit
that will accrue to other consumers of the same goods. For example, government policy of providing
street lightings on roads, defence and adequate policing to make the society crime-free will become
beneficial to everyone. It does not matter whether or not everybody is a tax payer. Therefore consumption
of public goods is not competitive.
• Zero marginal cost - Public goods are characterised by the existence of zero or near zero marginal cost.
This means that increase in demand may not necessarily force government to increase supply at least in
the short run. Hence there is no extra cost incurred by the additional demand. For example, increase in the
number of vehicles plying a road may not necessitate immediate expansion of the road.
• Equality of marginal benefits with marginal cost - The marginal cost is usually a measure of benefit
(utility/satisfaction) derived by consumers from consumption. In the case of public goods it is the sum of
the marginal benefits derived by each individual that should equal marginal cost. This is so since all
consumers consume from the same source of supply.
Note that characteristics of public goods is the exact opposite of that of private goods.
a. Pure Public Goods – These are goods that are perfectly non-rival consumption and non-
excludable. What it means is that they are pure responsibilities of the Government to provide
them for her citizen. National Defence and street lightings are a very good example of these.
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b. Quasi-Public Goods – These are goods that possess characteristics of both private and public
goods. What it means is that they can be provided by both private and public enterprises.
Examples include roads, bridges, tunnels, etc.
c. Merit Goods – These are goods and services that are of immense value to every individual and
society of a country and should be provided on the basis of need rather than ability to pay. So, the
government should make sure that these goods and services are subsidized or if possible free of
charge. Examples are education and healthcare.
In order for them to achieve The Above Macro Economic Objectives, they put in the Following Policies :
1. Monetary Policy - This has to do Supply of Money in Circulation and its managed by the CBN on
behalf of the federal government.
2. Fiscal Policy - This one deals with Taxation and Government Expenditure.
4. Price and Income Policy - This has to do Inflation and Workforce of the Economy.
1. Allocation Function: Any Activity of The Government which Affects the Supply of Goods and
Services. Functions here include Provision of Education, health care, Contracting Roads, Rural Water,
etc.
2. Redistribution Function: In the Economy, there are Rich and there are Poor People, in order to
bridge the gap a little, Government have the responsibility of Zooming Excess Monie from The
Wealthy through Tax, so that Basic Amenities can be provided for the less privileged ones as well.
From there, they can Have Access to Free Education, free Water. That means Government is
Redistributing the incomes in the hand of the People.
3. Regulation of Private Businesses: They Make sure that Private Goods do not harm the People and
their Community. They Set Governmental Agencies like SON, Std Organisation of Nigeria, Nafdac,
etc.
4. Economic Stabilisation: functions in promoting the macro economic Growth of the Country. Eg.
Regulating Interest Rate in the Monie Market, Exchange Rate.
5. Administration of Justice: With the help of Police and other agents, Human Lives and property
Must be protected.
1. Full Employment
2. Price Stability
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3. Economic Growth
4. Favorable BOP
Those Points are Self Explanatory. Just Read the Pack or Pathfinder. You are good to Go
Chapter 32
Public Revenue
Introduction
We have treated the different source of revenue at which government derives its revenue in a previous
chapter, chapter 13. In this chapter, we shall treat how those revenues are allocated and the principles
through which they are allocated.
1. Over-Dependence on Oil Revenue – In the past, the Nigerian economy depended on agriculture and
other viable sectors such as mining, textile, etc. The discovery and subsequent exploration of oil has
undermined the development of those previous economy. Consequently, oil revenue has become
major source on which the country critically depends.
2. Conflicts over the Sharing Formula – Revenue sharing amongst the component units of the Nigerian
Federation has been from onset a controversial issue. Sharing has been influenced by a number of
political inclinations rather than economic considerations.
3. Agitation for Resource control – Due to perceived injustice in the sharing criteria, which brought
about the principle of derivation, some regions have argued further that each state should control the
resource it has and only pays royalties to the central government for general upkeep. A very good
example is the Niger Delta region of the country who have agitated on controlling their oil.
4. Lack of will – The absence sincerity of the government and the concerned stakeholders to address this
issue has been a major delay in addressing the challenges it poses.
5. Unstable constitutional framework – The absence of a generally acceptable legal structure on how to
amend some outdated provisions in the constitution is another factor. The states and local
governments do not really have the statutory power to raise taxes and collect the proceeds. The
expenditure and tax revenue is drafted with a lot of ambiguity and uncertainty.
o Vertical Revenue Allocation: The Formula Used To Share Revenue amongst the 3Tiers of
Governments.(Federal, State, Local Governments.)
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o Horizontal Revenue Allocation: After Monies have reached the hands of each Tiers, they will now
Share among various units using Different Formula based on Some Criteria. (We witnessed this in the
1st Calculation we did in the Class).
1. Principle of Diversity: This principle is Based on the Fact that revenue must be supplied to Variety of
Different People.
2. Principle of Derivation: This Principle advocates that Larger Portion should go to the Region that the
bulk of the revenue is generated.
3. Principle of Need: This Advocate that Revenue should be shared based on what some Geographic
region need.
4. Principle of Population: That It should be on the basis of Population Each State Has.
5. Principle of Equality: That it should be on Equal Basis, irrespective of whether you have Land or
Population.
6. Landmass Principle: The More the land mass, the more your Revenue.
7. Even Development: This Advocates that Each States should be developed equally.
8. Principle of efficiency: It states that Each State should also maximise its internally generated revenue.
Chapter 33
Public Expenditure
Introduction
• Provide public goods and services and carry out other productive activities.
A number of factors have been responsible for the phenomena increase in the size of government
spending especially in Nigeria and the reasons for this can be listed as follows:
a. Population growth: As population increases, the government requires higher provision of social
amenities; hence, government spending tends to increase more and more. This is the case of Nigeria
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where population grows rapidly which calls for the increase in government spending on social
amenities like pipe-borne water, electricity etc. in the country.
b. Economic development goal: Nigerian government has the desire to achieve rapid economic
development for the country. The channel through which this goal can be achieved is to increase
government spending which will stimulate higher level of productivity in all sectors of the economy.
c. Defence and security: There is the need on the part of the government to increase its spending on
equipment required by the armed forces in order to provide strong defence and security for the entire
citizenry against internal or external aggression.
d. Increase in the general price level: The general prices of goods and services have risen persistently
and cost government more to provide the same amenities than before. This implies that the level of
inflation is moving up in the country and is responsible for increase in government spending in recent
times.
e. Urbanization: The shift of the population from the rural to urban areas is also responsible for
increase in government spending in Nigeria. For instance, the movement of federal capital from
Lagos to Abuja has raised government spending on construction and other projects on annual basis
from inception till date.
f. Costly political arrangement: Since Nigeria is practicing democracy, the government spends more
on yearly basis in maintaining democratic institutions. Huge amounts are allocated to electoral
agencies during election into local, state and federal offices, many of which are duplicated.
g. National crisis or war: National crisis or war always calls for a lot of funds to be allocated to the
provision of arms and ammunition. For instance, the case of militancy in the Niger Delta and Boko
Haram insurgency forced the Nigerian government to increase its funding of the purchase of
sophisticated weapons to fight these insurgencies.
i. General government services - This category covers both civil and defence expenditure meant to
provide basic administrative structure and includes general administration, tax collection, police, currency
and mint, external affairs, defence, non-plan provision against natural calamities, etc. these are
indispensable activities performed by the state, the benefits of which cannot be allocated to specific
groups, businesses or individuals;
ii. Social and Community - Services They cover basic social amenities supplied directly to the
community, households or individuals, and include education, health care, social security and welfare,
housing, community development, recreational and cultural activities. This class of expenditure is
required to improve and maintain the living conditions of the people;
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iii. Economic services - This category covers all expenditures, which directly or indirectly promote
economic activity within the country, and incorporates expenditures on agriculture, industry, transport
and communications and other economic services. They are necessary to create stock of capital that will
generate future flow of income for growth and development of the economy; and
iv. Transfer services - It covers those items which cannot be classified under the above three heads like
interest payments, pensions, food subsidies, statutory grants-in-aid to states, special loans, aid to foreign
countries and the like. It‟s known as transfer because the benefit accrues to a third party.
The effects of public expenditure on the economy can be examined by reference to its impacts on a
number of macroeconomic and socio-political activities as discussed below:
i. Public expenditure and economic stabilization: The philosophy of laissez-faire does not always
guarantee automatic achievement of economic objectives of full employment, general price stability,
equitable distribution of income, socially desired growth rate as well as soundness of foreign accounts.
In fact, the more advanced and free the market economy, the greater the tendency of fluctuations in
macroeconomic variables such as income, employment and general price level. Public expenditure as
an anti-cyclical tool can be designed in such a manner as to create effective demand thereby
stimulating investment activities. Stimulation of investment will lead to increase in employment,
output and reduction in price, other things being equal. It must be emphasised however, that the total
demand should be regulated so that the demand flows would match the supply flows otherwise the
stimulating effect would result into inflationary pressure.
ii. Public expenditure and production: Public expenditure can help the economy to attain a higher
level of production. Through stimulation of investment activities, it can help to create conditions
favourable for market forces to push up production. It can be used to create human skills through
education and training and maintenance of social overheads. Expenditure on 109 education and health
promotes human capital development and also promotes physical stock of capital for growth.
Expenditure on education, health, communication, increases people’s productivity at work and hence
their incomes. With rise in income savings also increase and this in turn has a beneficial effect on
capital formation and investment. Through research and development, new and effective methods of
production can be invented whereby local resources are used.
iii. Public expenditure and economic growth: The goals of planning are growth and social welfare,
which can be realised only through government expenditure. Consequently, the government allocates
funds to various sectors like agriculture, industry, transport, communications, education, energy,
health, exports, and the likes with a view to achieve impressive growth. Government expenditure has
been very helpful in maintaining balanced economic growth in the country. In furtherance of this,
government takes keen interest in allocating more resources for development of backward regions.
Such efforts reduce regional inequality and promote balanced economic growth. The government
propels the growth in an industry by either increasing it’s spending in it or supporting it in the forms
of subsidies, lower interest rate for investments etc. For example, the government through Central
Bank of Nigeria (CBN) had created various funds with differential interest rates to be disbursed to the
perceived users with the aim of correcting market failure thereby growing the economy.
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iv. Public expenditure and distribution: An important aspect of the market mechanism is the
inequalities of income and wealth, which arise on account of nature endowment and get widened
through the institutions of private property and inheritance. Welfare consideration favours an
equitable distribution of income and wealth since the purpose of economic policy is to attain the
maximum level of social benefits possible. A shift towards equality may be achieved through various
forms of public expenditure especially those that are meant to help the poorer sector of the society.
For instance, items of common consumption may be subsidised and production of those, which are in
short supply, can be taken up by public sector. Public expenditure on social security and subsidies to
poor are aimed at increasing their real income and purchasing power. Expenditure on education,
communication, health has a positive impact on productivity of the weaker section of society, thereby
increasing their income earning capacity.
The same way with taxation, some scholars have suggested certain principles upon which public
expenditure decisions should be based. Some of them are discussed below:
1. Principle of Economy
2. Principle of Sanction
3. Principle of Benefit
4. Principle of Surplus
5. Principle of Elasticity
6. Principle of Neutrality
1. Market Failure
2. Merit Goods
3. Strategic or security Considerations
4. Promote Growth of the economy
5. Monopoly
6. Natural Resources.
Chapter 34
Public Debt
Introduction
This is one of most the Voluminous Topics on our Study pack which Comprises a reasonable number of
pages. And 2, It's a contemporary issue in our Country. So, ICAN Find It Interesting to Bring Questions
out of it. Because of those reasons. So, if someone Studies it very well, he /She will be Rewarded.
Definition
Public Debt is the Accumulated Borrowings that the National Government of a Given Country owes to its
Citizens (Individuals & Institutions), Government of Other Countries, and foreign institutions. It usually
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arises as a result of Budget Deficit, when there are projects on ground to execute and the revenue is not up
to the estimated expenditure.
Debt Servicing
Every Borrowing attracts interest, there is also a maturity period, in accordance with predefined terms and
conditions. Debt servicing is the repayment of Both interest and capital as predetermined from the term of
the debt. This is Now Monitored by an office in the Presidency know as the Debt Mgt Office (DMO). If
You are in Abuja, You should have come across this OFFICE. Very Beautiful Building
✓ Productive/Reproductive Debts: These are debts which are used for the execution of a Capital
Project, which brings in return to the Government. From the revenue generated from that Project
backing the Debt, we will repay back the Debt.
Or at times, the projects might not directly bring in Revenues But Socially beneficial to the
Citizens of the State. Eg. Debts for Construction of Roads, Rails, provision of Social Amenities.
✓ Unproductive/Deadweight Debt: Debts used for something not productive. E.g, to use for
Emergency Situations like War Amunitions, Natural Disaster, or the Project used for is not Even
Useful to the Citizens of the Country. Eg. White-Elephant Projects....
✓ Internal Debt: Debts owed to individuals and Institutions within the country. Eg. Monies owed to
Local Suppliers and contractors. Don't Forget LPO & Letter of Award of Contract. Using
Commitment Basis. We shall Treat it hitherto in Section C, Chapter 1 Another Example of internal
Debt is treasury Bills and Certificates,(We shall treat in Details Later.), Overdrafts from the CBN.
✓ External Debt: Debts owed to foreign Countries and Institutions. Like London and Paris clubs,
IBRD, IMF, IDB.
Because of these 2 Factors, if the Government decides to pay it at once when the maturity period comes,
the PURSE Of the Nation will be Eroded. So, in order to avoid that, they devise a very Suitable
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Technique. By Setting aside some Money on yearly Basis in a FUND created for that purpose known as
the Sinking Fund. It's from there they will now repay the Debt.
° They are relatively not Huge. So, Government do not Create a Separate Fund for its Repayment.
- >Is Either they Pay it out of the Current Revenue of the Government, which may in turn have a
negative effect on Government Activities.
or
- >Through Floatation; They Raise New Bonds from the Money market to pay it. This is what's
known as Floating Charge.
➢ Marketable Debts: These are the ones that can be Traded in the Financial Market. We can either
buy or sell them there.
The Money Market: Where Short term Debts are Traded. Eg. Treasury Bill and Certificate.
The Capital Market(Stock Exchange): Where long term Debts are traded. Eg. Government
Development Stock, Revenue Bonds.
➢ Non-Marketable Debts: these ones are issued in favour of specified debt holders and Can not be
sold to others.
This is the pattern and terms at which Both principal and Interests attached to a particular Debt are repaid.
The maturity pattern determines the Simplicity of the Debt. Because The Longer the term, the More
Burden we have.
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4. More Foreign and Local Investors will Set into the Economy.
1. Debt Servicing Problem: Most Especially when Short term Loans are used to finance Longterm
Debts.
2. Unbearable Conditionalities which come with External Borrowing: Most Especially, Borrowing
from IMF, Wicked Conditions like:
✓ -Removal of Subsidy,
3. Private Investors may not perform well when Government Compete with them in the Financial
Market.
4. Tax Burden: Most Especially, borrowing money for unproductive Projects, it will have future
implication on tax payers.
6. Foreign Investment will be Relatively Low: Because Debts are to be repayed with hard currency
which supposed to be used for importing critical Inputs to the Country.
This one treats the general needs to borrow money, whether internally or externally. The list is Long, but
this Acronym will assist you.
2. BOP Deficit/Disequilibrium.
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5. Economic instability.
6. Wartime Borrowing.
All those Points are Self Explanatory. Or better yet, read the Pack for better Explanation. Because its the
explanation that's important. But, you can only explain what you are able to Put down. And that's what
am trying to do. Ability to remember the points in the Exam.
Debt Sustainability
Meaning: This is an effective way a country can manage her debts without having an adverse effect on the
Economy. When a country is able to Service its Debt liability without affecting economic growth or
without a recourse to bargain for Restructuring or accumulation of arrears.
Body Responsible for this. Before now, this was the responsibility of The CBN, together with Ministry of
Finance Incorporated, MOFI, A Dpt under the Ministry of Finance. But, In recent times, due to the level
of debt accumulation in developing countries, like Nigeria, there is a need for Proper Mgt of Public Debt.
This led to Creating a New Body under the Presidency known as the Debt Management Office (DMO).
✓ Trade-Related Debts: Monies owed to Local Suppliers and Contractors through LPO and Letter
of Awards of Contract.
✓ Debts Through Financial Instruments: These are Treasury bills, certificates, Government Stocks
and Revenue Bonds.
We are going to explain those Instruments one after another. But, before that, let's Understand how those
Instruments are being Operated.
Mode of Operation of Financial Instruments - When Government needs Money, or they feel there is
too much money in Circulation, they issue out those Instruments in form of a Paper through The CBN,
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then, interested members will buy, by Giving Money to the Government. Terms and conditions are
attached on when they will claim back their Monies, both principal and Interest. Those Papers carry a
monetary value, they will just tender it when needed and get their monies back in Multi-fold.
1. Treasury Bill (90 Days): This is the Most Liquid Out of those Instruments, traded in the Open
Market Operation (OMO), issued by the CBN to any interested persons.
2. Treasury Certificates (1 – 2 Years): They have Longer Maturity Period than Treasury Bill and
attracts more interests. Issued to Commercial and Merchant Banks. Those 2 Are Money Market
Instruments.
3. Federal Government Development Stocks: These ones are trade in the Capital Market, listed in the
Nigerian Stock Exchange and managed by the CBN on the Ground Supervision of Security and
Exchange Commission, SEC. They can be either medium or Longterm in nature. Issued to Finance
Development or capital projects. The higher the maturity period, the higher the interest. The principal
investors here are Insurance Companies, Commercial Banks and Mortgage Banks.
4. Revenue Bonds: Issued by State or Local Governments to Finance A Productive Project with the
Agreement that from the proceeds generated from it, it will be repaid.
In summary - ISCTAT
Sinking Fund,
Timing of Floatation.
Advert on Subscription
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1. Trade Arrears: When one country trades with the other, and its unable to pay for the Goods
Supplied, either Wholly or Partly. This occurred to Nigeria in the 1980s, when we could not settle
our import Bills, this resulted into Accumulated Debt.
2. Balance of Payment Support Loans: This one is Usually Sort for from the World Bank, IMF &
IBRD.
3. Loans for Development Project: It's backed up with A Capital project. Most of them are self
liquidating.
4. Loans for Socio Economic needs - For infrastructures and social amenities.
3. Multi-Lateral Creditors: From the World Multi, these are interactional institutions funded by the
Nations that came together to become members in them. These includes The World Bank Group,
IMF, IBRD, IDÀ, IFC ADB, etc.
4. Bilateral or Private Sector Loans: From the word Bilateral, a loan that one Country gives to
another Country or between 2 Nations.
5. Promissory Note Creditors: Debts Arising from Trade Arrears. A document issued by a debtor
nation to a creditor nation indicating that a certain amount of Debt is own by It.
This one is talking about why External Debts Keep Increasing Overtime. So, Take Note.
2. Accumulation of Interest.
7. Depreciation of US Dollars.
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8. Borrowing from Multi Lateral and Bilateral Institutions with Harsh Conditions.
✓ Making Sure that the Returns From Those Projects are able to pay it back.
✓ Ability to Service Existing Loan with the desire to contract another loan.
In the early 80s, when Debt Crisis Became a Very Serious burden, Nigeria pronounced different
Strategies. But, in 1988, there was a better and More Pragmatic Plan. With the Following Policy
Objectives:
1. To outline Strategies on how Foreign Exchange will increase, so that the need for External
Borrowing will reduce.
2. To set out the Criteria for Borrowing externally, and the kinds of projects to finance with it.
Because of the Above Objectives, the Following Policy Guidelines Were issued:
2. Project to be Financed from External Debt should be Backed up with Feasibility Study.
4. Any State Government, Parastatals or private sector that wish to borrow externally must seek
approval from the Federal Government.
5. Also, they should submit their debt proposal to the Ministry of Finance and the CBN for
Consideration before incorporated into the Government Borrowing in the Budget.
6. All States should service their External Debts through the Foreign Exchange market and inform
the ministry of finance for record purpose. Or else, equal amount will be deducted at source from
their allocation.
7. Export oriented private sectors should service their loan through Their Export Earnings, while
others should use the Foreign Exchange market.
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Other Countries borrow as well. But why is ours (Nigeria) different and the debt crisis has become up to
this Extent. These are some of the Identified Reasons:
5. Nature of the Economy of which our manufacturing Sector depends much on Imported Inputs.
1. Debt Rescheduling.
2. Debt-Equity Conversion.
3. Debt Relief/Forgiveness.
4. Debt Repudiation.
7. Counter Trade
Explanation
1. Debt Rescheduling
Like the name Sounds, this is a rearrangement of repayment plan. With the following Activities:
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Although, this method relief the burden of the debt. But, does not reduce the Obligation or Amount owed
rather it postpones the evil day. Example, Nigeria did this with Paris Club in the Late 80s.
2. Counter Trade
Instead of Giving them cash, we rather give them Raw Materials or natural resources that we have.
Nigeria did this in the early 90s to develop Ajaokuta Steel Company.
When A Foreign Country Issue is a Grant. Its a better one than borrowing from them. We can seek for:
• Bilateral Assistance
• Multilateral Assistance.
4. Debt Repudiation
This is the Total Denial of the Debt. As advocated by Fidel Castro, a Cuban Economist. He said that,
some of these debts are due to Colonisation and Neo-Colonisation Experience. So, what is the burden if
we rather deny it. But, this is not practiceable. As it may attract Sanctions from the International bodies.
5. Debt Forgiveness
When a creditor nation or body decides to write off the Debt liabilities of the Debt or nation, due to some
negotiations. Eg. Paris Club Granted Nigeria A debt Forgiveness of about $18Billion During Obasanjo
Regime, with the Help of the Former Finance Minister, Okonjo Iweala.
At least, for the main time, to reduce the pressure Faced from External Borrowing.
This is a long-term Solution. It is believed than Debt Burden arose due to Poor economic performance.
This one is Carried out by:
1. Diversify into other Sectors of the economy. Rather than Oil Alone.
8. Debt-Equity Conversion
This is an idea of Converting Foreign Debts into Equities in our local companies. By making the creditors
a part owners on our indeginous Companies.
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Demerits are:
➢ Purpose for Borrowing and Cost Benefit Analysis. That is any Government in the Federation
or agency or corporation shall specify the purpose for which it intends to borrow and present
a CBA indicating the Social and economic benefits of such loan.
➢ Borrowing is for Capital Expenditure and Human Development only. (Not for Recurrent
Purposes) like paying of Salary.
➢ Servicing of external debt is the direct responsibility of the Government that Incurred it.
➢ The DMO of the Presidency shall maintain a comprehensive electronic data base of both
internal and External Debt.
➢ The Fiscal Responsibility Commission shall verify the compliance with the limits and
conditions for borrowing by any Government on Quaterly basis.
➢ All Banks and financial institutions shall request Proof of compliance with the Provisions of
the Fiscal Responsibility Act, before lending to them.
➢ The Cost of Financing Federal Government Guaranteed loan shall be Deducted at source
from the Allocation of the State Government that Contract the Loan.
➢ Any Violator of all these Guidelines shall be prohibited from borrowing both internally or
Externally.
The Act, as we have Taught ourselves in earlier studies, deals with any issues regarding fiscal Matters, ie.
Budgeting, Financing Government Expenditure and Collection of Revenue. The act interpreted
Borrowing as any Financial Obligation arising from any of the Following:
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✓ Agreements providing for Swaps, ceiling rates, floor rates and other Hedging mechanism, with
respect of payment of interest or Convertibility of Currency.
c. Debt for Debt Swap: This allows a country external Debt to be redominated in the local currency
of the Debtors Nation.
d. Debt for Export: This Is The same Explanation with Counter Trade. under Solution to External
Debt.
➢ Conversion to cash.
Priorities:
1. Investment in production industries, which utilises 80% of Local Raw Materials. Eg. Agricultural
and agro allied industries.
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➢ Minimising the use of debt for cash redemption and Maximising that of Investment.
A Cartel of 19 Creditors Countries, which came together in 1956, when some European countries agreed
to meet in Paris to find a mutually acceptable basis for Rescheduling their outstanding balances in their
bilateral accounts with Argentina. Ever since then, it's being a forum where countries facing Difficulties
in paying their Debts, like Nigeria, meet with their Creditors for Rescheduling of obligation. They hold
informal meetings, chaired by a senior officer in the French treasury and a secretary.
• The IMF.
• The IBRD.
• The Debtor Country and With their Financial And Legal Consultants.
The Club has brought a little hope in resolving the Debt Problem of the Severely 3rd World Countries,
like Nigeria.
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1. Imminent Default: This is a condition which requires the Debtor Nation who approached for .
Rescheduling Arrangement to prove that Truly truly she's unable to meet their External Debt
Servicing, unless relief is Granted. This is established through the BOP balance of the Country
with IMF. This is the 1st Condition, as without this, the Paris will not allow for Rescheduling.
2. Conditionality: This is the Golden rule of the Paris Club. It requires that not just come up and be
Begging for one Relief or Rescheduling. The Debtor Country should have made sure that they
have a Very Sound Economic Environment and Development programme that will make them
pay their Debt.
3. Burden Sharing: The 1st one applies to the Debtor Country, this one is for the Creditor country.
This is saying that the Creditor country as well should be willing to Share some of the Burden as
well and forego some Debts. As Half Bread is Better None.
Chapter 35
Fiscal Federalism
Introduction
Fiscal Federalism refers to the scope and structure of the tiers of governmental responsibilities and
functions and the allocation of resources among the tiers of government. It defines the allocation of tax
powers and expenditure responsibilities among the levels of government.
Assignment of expenditure deals with the allocation of spending powers and responsibilities by the
Federal Government to the Lower Level Governments (State and Local Governments). That is, They
should be able to Spend on their own without expecting The Federal Government to Carry it out for them.
The Federal Government allows the Lower Governments to spend some certain categories of
expenditures, for various reasons like Location Advantages, nearness to Citizens. And Retain some
Spending powers to themselves.
4. Economic Stabilization.
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1. Economies of Scale: Resources that requires servicing a large number of people like water,
electricity, etc should be Centralised. So that The Government can achieve economies of scale.
2. Spatial Externalities: These are services that requires external attention, eg. Defence, foreign affairs,
etc. Such can only be effectively delivered when managed by the central or federal government
herself.
3. Administrative and compliance costs reduction: With centralisation of fiscal responsibilities, lower
cost will be achieved when Some Services are Centralised by the Governement.
1. Differences in the Local Need - What we need in our State will be different from what others need.
2. Responsiveness to local Issues – The speed in decision making and delivery of services to each
locality will be faster.
4. Inter-jurisdictional competition and innovation are enhanced – This is a very important merit of
decentralizing responsibilities whether at micro or macro level. Low level managers or governmental
officials can be innovative.
• Lack of formal assignment - The absence of a formal assignment of responsibilities among the
multi-levels of government is a common problem with expenditure assignment. A formal assignment
of responsibilities contributes to the stability of the system of intergovernmental finances. From a
fiscal management perspective, a formal expenditure assignment also introduces an important
element of certainty for budget planning at all levels of government.
• Ambiguity in certain assignments - Despite the ambiguity in assignments, there are few open
conflicts or disputes that have taken place between the central and state governments in terms of
assignment of expenditure responsibilities. For example, there are arguments on whose responsibility
it is to maintain internal security in Nigeria when the police is under the control of the central while
the governors have little or no control over the police.
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Once expenditure assignment has been agreed upon, the most critical element there on is who to collect
taxes and revenue. It is therefore worthy to note that the power to impose tax on Individuals and
Corporate Bodies is on the Exclusive List of the Nigerian Constitution (I.e. exclusive to the Federal
Government). While the collection of those taxes is on the Concurrent List (I.e split between the 3 Tiers
of Government). There have been a number of economic principles developed by economists on deciding
which taxes to assign to each level of government. Anwar Shah opined four general principles in
assigning taxing powers to various governments as discussed below:
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Explanation
1. Principle of Economic Efficiency – This criterion suggests that taxes on mobile factors should be
assigned to the national/federal/central government. Assigning such assignments to sub-national
governments may facilitate social wastage.
2. Principle of National Equity – This Principles suggests that progressive redistributive taxes
should be assigned to the national government.
3. Principle of fiscal need – This criterion suggests that the ability to raise revenue should be
matched as closely as possible to expenditure needs.
4. Principle of Administrative Feasibility – This is with the opinion that when taxes are assigned to
the jurisdiction with the best ability to monitor and collect them, it will lower cost of
administration and compliance.
Inter-governmental transfers or grants is an important factor in the development of fiscal federalism. The
central government may decide to grant sub-national governments like state or local governments
finances to fund investment decisions. This can be broadly classified into two categories:
1. General-Purpose Grants – These are grants provided as general budget support with no strings or
condition attached. These transfers are typically mandated by law.
2. Specific-purpose Grants – These are grants with conditions attached and are intended to provide
incentives for governments to undertake specific programs. They usually specify the type of
expenditure that can be financed with them.
a) Clarity in grant objectives - Grant objectives should be specified clearly and precisely;
d) Equity (fairness) - Allocated funds should vary directly with fiscal-need factors and inversely with
the tax capacity of each jurisdiction;
e) Transparency - Both the formula and the allocations should be disseminated widely in order to
achieve as much as a broad consensus as possible on the objectives and operation of the programme;
f) Efficiency - The grant design should be neutral with respect to sub-national governments‟ choices of
resource allocation to different sectors or types of activity;
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g) Incentive - The design should provide incentives for sound fiscal management and should discourage
inefficient practices. Specific transfers should not be made to finance sub-national government
deficits; and
i) Autonomy - Sub-national governments should have complete independence and flexibility in setting
priorities. They should not be constrained by the categorical structure of programmes and uncertainty
associated with decision-making by national officials. Tax-base sharing allows subnational
governments to introduce their own tax rates on national bases and formula-based revenue sharing, or
block grants are also consistent with this objective;
j) Accountability For results - The grantor must be accountable for the design and operation of the
programme. The recipient must be accountable to the grantor and its citizens for financial integrity
and results (i.e., improvements in service delivery performance).
A country does not only prefer a Federalism System of Government. The Following reasons call for it:
Nigeria still stick to the Federal system of Government because Resources lacked in one particular region
are possessed by the other. So, to distribute it fairly.
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Chapter 36
Resources has to be committed today to achieve gains on it tomorrow. When there's money, it should not
be idle, money should bring in more Money. That's the idea behind INVESTMENT. Though, it's all about
taking risk, because its easy to determine what to be spent on a project, but forecasting the future Gains is
not easy. That is what brings us to "Investment Appraisal". A technique adopted on whether a particular
Project will be Viable or not. By looking at the economic benefits likely to accrue from it.
As said earlier, Government should utilize resources in a judicious and economic way, on viable projects
and opportunities with the View of Generating Returns.
o Sources of Finance
o Types of Decisions
Sources of Finance
Since the objective of the Public Sector is Different from that of Private, decisions taken on Public
Projects has to be different as well. In Private Sector, they mostly consider the Financial Viability of the
Project alone. But, Government do not only consider the Profitability.
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• Societal Advantages.
• Political Reason.
• Security Purpose.
Types of Decision
• Tactical in nature,
• Short term,
• Uncomplicated Issues,
• Prompt Action
• Strategic in nature,
• Long term,
In order to achieve some development objectives, nations place emphasis on priority programmes like the
provision of basic infrastructure and development projects, all of which require appropriate funding.
i) Basic infrastructure – These are projects meant to satisfy human necessity to survive as citizens living
in the country. Examples are roads, railways, waterways, airways and other forms of transportation and
communication, plus water supplies, financial institutions, electricity and public services such as health
and education.
ii) Development projects – These are public project or investments executed to achieve a set of
development objectives, notably improved productivity and economic growth, employment generation
and poverty alleviation etc. Examples of such projects include dam construction and irrigation projects,
iron and steel development projects, supply of fertilisers and pesticides, small and medium scale
enterprises schemes.
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✓ Boost productivity performance in sectors of the economy, notably agriculture and industrial sector.
▪ Borrowing from multilateral creditors such as the World Bank and its affiliates, International
Monetary Fund, (IMF), African Development Bank (AfDB), International Fund for Agricultural
Development (IFAD), etc.
▪ Issuance of debt instruments such as Treasury Bills, Treasury Certificates and Government.
1. Magnitude and adequacy of funds - Each source, as identified above, varies in terms of magnitude
and adequacy of funds that could be raised. Borrowing from multilateral creditors is one source that
guarantees substantial funding once the economic and technical viability of the programmes is
assured.
2. Implications for debt burden - Each of the sources of funding has implications for debt burden over
a period of time, coming by way of debt servicing and interest payment. This constitutes a
disadvantage as far as borrowings from multilateral creditors are concerned.
3. Harsh Conditionalities for the multilateral creditors - Raising fund for such programmes is
usually tied to some conditionalities for the multilateral creditors, while for some other sources, it is a
matter of enabling environment, investment policies (for foreign direct investment), and fiscal policy
and commitment (for budgetary allocation and deficit financing) and the capability of the capital
market to raise sufficient fund from the financial instruments issued.
2. Cost-effectiveness Analysis
4. Value Analysis/Engineering
A technique where the costs (both social and financial) of a project is compared to its perceived benefits.
A form of percentage will be derived and if its greater than 1, the project will be accepted. If the
Percentage is less than one, that means the cost is higher than its benefit. CBA is the most popular
method for evaluation of project in the public sector. This is because those in charge of project
initiation, execution and monitoring in the public sector do not appear to be qualitative enough to
make use of the Commercial Investment Appraisal Techniques like NPV, IRR, etc.
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Process includes:
4. Evaluate them.
Advantages of CBA
• Easy to use.
Disadvantages of CBA
• Problem of uncertainty.
• Paucity of data.
• Subjectivity.
a. CBA focuses more on macro economy and public benefit whereas commercial investment appraisal
techniques focus on micro level perspective.
b. CBA considers all costs including the social and environmental costs , while commercial approaches
do not consider social costs.
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It's a technique where emphasis is not laid on Benefits, rather on the reduction of the cost. Whether the
project is being done at least cost. This is an approach for picking among alternative lines of action in
public sector organisations regarding their effectiveness in attaining specified objectives. CEA does not
supply information on the benefits of achieving goals rather the emphasis is on the least minimal cost of
achieving specified objectives of a public sector project. The decision criteria are to select projects
with the least cost.
Process of CEA
A Technique which optimise the entire costs of a Physical Asset over its entire useful life. It is a cost
minimization technique which is applicable from the Initial Stage of the Asset to the decline Stage. The
concept adopts the use of discounting cash flows technique in evaluating the project.
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2. Maintenance Cost.
3. Disposal Value.
Value Engineering simply means any cost that are unnecessary should be identified and eliminated before
the project is introduced. While Value Analysis is the process of reducing the cost after the project have
being introduced.
Externalities
This are economic effects flowing from production or consumption of goods and services by one
economic unit in the utility function of another economic unit. These effects may be negative or positive.
Causes of Externalities
▪ Production Externalities – This exists when production activities result into gains or losses to the
people within a locality without any compensation paid for it. Example is oil exploration which
generate hazards (losses) and at the same time employment opportunity (gains) to the people.
▪ Consumption Externalities – This arises when there is a consumption benefit which cannot be
limited or charged to a particular consumer.
Types of Externalities
▪ Positive Externalities – Benefits realized from the activities of another economic entity Without
being compensated for.
Chapter 37
This is also known as business or trade cycle, it refers to upward and downward movement in the
economic progress of a country as revealed in the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) during a given period.
At times, the business will rise into prosperity and sometimes, it will recess. In a nutshell, economic cycle
are recurrent fluctuations in aggregate employment, income, output and price level.
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(i) Expansion
In the expansion phase, there is an increase in various economic factors, such as employment, output,
wages, profits, demand and supply of products and sales. In addition, the prices of factors of production
and output increase simultaneously. In this phase, borrowers are generally in good financial condition to
repay their debts, therefore, lenders lend money at higher interest rates. This leads to an increase in the
flow of money. Due to increase in investment opportunities, idle funds of organisations or individuals are
utilised for various investment purposes. Consequently, the cash inflows and outflows of businesses are in
equilibrum. This expansion continues till the economic conditions become favourable;
(ii) Peak
This phase refers to the point at which the increase in growth rate of business activities attains its
maximum limit. In the peak phase, the economic factors, such as output, profit, sales, income and
employment, are higher but do not increase further. There is a gradual decrease in the demand of various
products due to increase in the prices of input. The increase in the prices of input leads to an increase in
the prices of final products, while the income of individuals remain constant. This causes consumers to
restructure their monthly budgets. Consequently, the demand for products such as jewelries, homes,
automobiles, refrigerators and other durables starts falling;
(iii) Recession
As discussed in the peak phase, there is a gradual decrease in the demand of various products due to
increase in the prices of input and budget adjustment by consumers. When the decline in the demand for
products becomes rapid and steady, recession phase sets in. In this phase, all the economic factors such as
output, prices, savings and investment, start declining. Generally, producers are unaware of decrease in
the demand for products and they continue to produce goods and services. In such a case, the supply of
products exceeds the demand.
(iv) Depression
Over time, producers realise the surplus of supply when the cost of manufacturing of a product is more
than revenue generated. This condition is firstly experienced by few industries, but slowly spreads to all
industries. This situation is firstly considered as a small fluctuation in the market, but as the problem
persists for a longer period, producers start noticing it. Consequently, producers cut down on further
investment in factors of production such as labour, machinery and furniture. This leads to the reduction in
the prices of factors, which results in the decline of demand of inputs as well as output;
(v) Trough
During the trough phase, economic activities of a country decline below the normal level. In this phase,
the growth rate of an economy becomes persistently negative. In addition, there is a rapid decline in
national income and expenditure, which it becomes difficult for debtors to pay off their debts. As a result,
the rate of interest decreases; therefore, banks reduce lending. Consequently, banks face the situation of
increase in their cash balances. Apart from this, the level of economic output of the country becomes low
and unemployment becomes high. In addition, in trough phase, investors do not invest in stock markets
and many weak organisations leave the industries or they liquidate. At this point, an economy reaches the
lowest level of shrinking; and
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(vi) Recovery
Once the economy touches the lowest level, it happens to be the end of negativism and beginning of
positivism. In this phase, there is a turnaround at the trough and the economy starts recovering from the
negative growth rate. Demand starts to pick up due to the lowest prices and consequently, supply starts
reacting too. The economy develops a positive attitude towards investment and employment, hence,
production starts rising. Employment also begins to rise and due to the accumulated cash balances with
bankers, lending also shows positive signals. This will also lead to new investment in production
processes and replacement of depreciated capital. Recovery continues until the economy returns to steady
growth levels. This completes one full business cycle of boom and contraction. The extreme points are the
peak and the trough.
A Public Private Partnership (PPP) is a cooperative arrangement between the public and private sector,
whereby the private undertakes to provide public services based on certain terms and conditions. This
involves a private entity financing, constructing, or managing a project in return for a promised stream of
payments directly from the government or indirectly from users.
1. Operation and Maintenance – Under this contract, the Private entity operates and maintains a
publicly-owned asset while the public sector retains ownership.
2. Build-own-operate – As the name implies, the private partner builds, finance, and operates the public
infrastructure in perpetuity.
3. Build-own-operate-transfer – This is an extension of the one up there except that after a specified
period of time, ownership is transferred back to the public sector partner.
• Efficiency: There is the belief that the private sector is better at managing investment projects and
achieving overall cost efficiencies than the public sector which is characterised with unnecessary
bureaucracies;
• Delivery: The private sector is not paid until the asset has been delivered, which encourages timely
delivery. PFI construction contracts are fixed price contracts with financial consequences for contractors,
if delivered late;
• Dynamic efficiency: Private sector is better placed to bring innovation and good design to projects,
higher quality of delivery and lowering of maintenance costs. The bidding process for PFI projects creates
competition at the point of tendering.
• Extra investment: Extra funding can kick-start more projects thereby bringing about economic and
social benefits. The Private Finance Initiatives (PFI) provide private sector funds for projects that might
prove difficult for government to finance through higher borrowing and taxes. Projects supporting health
or education will improve productive capacity, increase economic growth and can therefore be funded out
of future incomes that the projects help to generate;
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• Addiction: Governments can become addicted to PFI, rather than using government borrowing for key
projects. The PFI have added to public sector debt but created many private sector fortunes.
• Risk: The ultimate risk with a project lies with the public sector (government). Private finance
agreements are complicated to organise and there is no guarantee that the private sector will make a better
cost benefit analysis of a project than the public sector;
• Debt costs: Private finance has always been more expensive than government borrowing, but since the
financial crisis the difference between the costs has widened significantly. The difference in finance costs
means that Public Private Partnership (PPP) projects are significantly more expensive to fund over the life
of a project. This represents a significant cost to taxpayers;
• Inflexibility and poor value for money: Long service contracts may be difficult/costly to change –
especially when the management of a project seems to have gone wrong. There have been many stories of
flawed projects for example private firms contracted out to provide car parking, cleaning and other
services in hospitals built and run as part of a PPP. Infrastructure may not be designed to last more than
the length of the contract and will need replacing or maintenance at high costs;
Commercialisation on the other hand, deals with the re-organisation of enterprises that are
wholly or partly by government in such a way that such enterprise operates as profit-making
commercial ventures without having to be relying on government for subvention or funding.
2. Partial Privatisation – Where Government only sell some parts of its equity interests to private
individuals in order to inject some profit motives into the business.
3. Full Commercialisation – In this scenario, government will cease to grant subventions since the
commercialised enterprise is allowed to charge economic tariffs for service provided. However, the
government still owns all equity holdings. Examples are Nigeria Airways Limited,
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4. Partial Commercialisation – The whole equity holdings still belong to the government and in
addition, the enterprise will still continue to enjoy some support from government towards operating
costs and future capital investment.
1. Geopolitical Spread – It has been argued that divesting government enterprises does not by anyway
benefit the common citizen, it will only worsen the livelihood of the poor and widen income
inequalities. There is a fear of dominance and consolidation of control.
2. Inadequate loanable funds – With the unfavourable situation of the economy, there is insufficient
funds available to private sector entities with which they can purchase shares of public enterprises to
be privatised.
3. Valuation Issues – There is a serious concern about improper valuation of enterprises to be privatised
thereby depriving the public of their social benefits.
✓ Privatisation has reduced the scope of political patronage in the form of board’s appointments.
✓ Floatation of privatised enterprise’s shares have greatly stimulated the rapid growth of the Nigerian
Market.
Functions of the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) in respect of commercialisation are to:
c. Advise the council on further public enterprises that may be commercialised; Ensure the updating of
the accounts of all commercialised enterprises to ensure financial discipline;
d. Ensure the success of the commercialisation exercise and monitor the operations of the public
enterprises after commercialisation;
e. Review the objectives for which public enterprises were established in order to ensure that they adapt
to the changing needs of the economy;
f. Ensure that public enterprises are managed in accordance with sound commercial principles and
prudent financial practices;
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g. Maintain and review on a continuous basis, any performance agreement between a public enterprise
and the government of the federation;
h. Evaluate and recommend to the council whether or not a public enterprise is eligible for funding
through grants, loans, subventions or equity; and
i. Perform such functions with respect to commercialisation as the council may, from time to time,
assign to it.
The functions of the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) in respect to privatization are to:
d) Advise the council on the capital restructuring needs of the public enterprises to be privatised;
e) Carry out all activities required for the successful issue of shares and sale of assets of the public
enterprises to be privatised;
f) Advise the council on the allotment pattern for the sale of the shares of the public enterprises set out
for privatisation;
g) Oversee the actual sale of shares of the public enterprises to be privatised by the issuing houses, in
accordance with the guidelines approved, from time to time, by the council;
h) Perform such functions with respect to privatisation as the council may, from time to time, assign to it.
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