Autonomy : Why govt is updating LGAs nominal rolls

Cross River State Government has clarified that the ongoing update of the nominal rolls of local governments has become necessary for the effective implementation of the new policy guidelines of the Nigeria Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU).

A statement signed by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information, Dr. Aye Henshaw explained that the exercise is to allow the 18 local government councils in the state handle their financial operations directly.

"Further to the 1st of June implementation of the NFIU policy on Local Government Area Allocations and the operations of their Finances, it has become necessary for the nominal rolls of Teachers under SUBEB and Staff under the PHCDA to be handled and settled directly by the Local Government Area of assignment," the statement read in parts.

Henshaw stated that “Two years ago the nominal rolls of Teachers and PHC staff in the various 18 councils were consolidated under the board and agency during an extensive staff verification exercise which plugged leakages.”

He further stated that “both the Board and the Agency are currently working with the various Local Government Administration to reconcile the nominal rolls of their staff assigned to the respective councils to ensure that the nominal rolls are domiciled with the LGA for salary payment in line with the NFIU new policy."

The Permanent Secretary said payment of salaries for local government workers will commence immediately as soon as the exercise is concluded in a few days' time.

"The reconciliation exercise will continue over the next couple of working days and salaries will be paid immediately on completion. The current administration has always demonstrated its commitment to its policy that wages are settled in full and when due and it will not deviate from this policy," Aye assured.