458.
Other standards and codes covered by the numerous reform programmes
include the ECOWAS Convergence Criteria, the UN Declaration against
Corruption and Bribery in International Commercial Transactions, and the
ECOWAS Protocol A/P3/ 12/01 on the Combating of Corruption, among
others.
ii.
Findings of the CRM
459.
There was inadequate official information to enable the dates of signing,
accession and ratification of most of the EGM standards and codes to
be documented accurately. This implies that the record-keeping of the
standards and codes in relevant government departments is inaccurate,
and that the roles of the federal and state governments with regard to the
standards and codes are not clearly defined and coordinated. The CRM
was informed that efforts are being made to establish a central repository
for the standards and codes signed by Nigeria.
460.
For some codes and standards – like the International Accounting Standards,
the International Standards on Auditing, the Guidelines for Public Debt
Management, and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and
Development (OECD) Best Practices for Budget Transparency – signature
and ratification are not required. However, efforts must be made to ensure
compliance once the codes or standards have been adopted.
461.
Generally, the CRM found that there is weak monitoring and reporting
on implementing standards and codes by government agencies and
other stakeholders. Stakeholders also have limited awareness about the
existence of these standards and codes, which hampers their effective
implementation. This partly explains why the relevant ministries,
departments and agencies (MDAs) are often unable to ratify and implement
them. A careful strategy for ratifying the standards and codes is essential
in order to operationalise them effectively.
462.
Following are brief CRM highlights regarding budgetary activities and
processes, Nigeria’s debt management, and good practices for transparency
in monetary and financial policies. Bank supervision and restructuring of
the banking system, fighting corruption and money laundering, regional
integration and general data standards are also covered.
Budgetary activities and processes
463.
Most of the federal government’s budgetary policies, procedures and
activities are consistent with the Code of Good Practices on Fiscal
Transparency and the articles of the OECD Best Practices for Budget
Transparency.
Nigeria’s debt management
464.
148
Nigeria’s management of public debt (both internal and external) has
improved considerably and is in line with the standards defined in the
Guidelines for Public Debt Management. Nigeria is a member of the IMF
and World Bank, and has signed and acceded to these guidelines. The
management of public debt has become stable in Nigeria after many years
of turbulence.
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