The National Commission for Persons with Disabilities has taken another major step toward strengthening transparency, accountability, and institutional efficiency with the successful completion of a two-day in-house training on public sector accounting and financial management for staff of its Accounts and Audit Departments.
The training, held on May 6 and 7, 2026, at Life Refreshing Cafeteria, brought together 21 participants in a strategic effort aimed at enhancing professional capacity, improving compliance with government financial regulations, and deepening understanding of modern public sector accounting standards.
Organized by the Commission’s Finance and Accounts Department, the training focused on equipping staff with updated knowledge and practical skills in line with ongoing reforms by the Federal Government on public financial management and reporting systems.
Speaking during the opening ceremony, the Executive Secretary of the Commission, Barr. Ayuba Gufwan, described the initiative as timely and necessary, emphasizing that building internal capacity is critical for the long-term sustainability and effectiveness of the Commission’s financial operations.
According to him, the Commission had in the past faced several operational challenges due to inadequate technical expertise within its accounting and audit units, leading to heavy dependence on external consultants.
“For some time, the Commission faced challenges due to limited expertise among staff, particularly in the Accounting and Audit units. Relying solely on consultants meant that knowledge was not retained within the system. Files were difficult to locate, and there was little continuity once consultants completed their assignments and left,” he stated.
Barr. Gufwan stressed that the era of overdependence on external consultants must give way to institutional knowledge development and professional competence among staff members. He urged participants to take the training seriously and apply the knowledge gained toward improving efficiency, accountability, and transparency in the Commission’s financial processes.
The sessions extensively covered the implementation of the International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS), which the Federal Government of Nigeria is currently adopting as part of broader reforms to improve public sector accountability and financial reporting.
Participants were trained on critical areas including guidelines for preparing government financial statements, management of public assets and liabilities, and emerging reforms in public sector accounting practices. The interactive sessions also provided opportunities for staff to discuss practical challenges affecting their daily operations and explore workable solutions.
Observers noted that the training marks a significant milestone in the Commission’s drive toward strengthening internal financial controls and ensuring compliance with statutory reporting obligations.
The Director of Finance and Accounts, Mrs. Zainab Sulaiman Shehu, expressed satisfaction with the level of participation and engagement demonstrated by the attendees throughout the training.
She noted that continuous professional development remains essential in maintaining efficiency and integrity in public financial administration, especially within institutions tasked with delivering critical services to vulnerable populations.
Facilitators for the capacity-building program were drawn from the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation, bringing extensive expertise and practical experience in public sector accounting and financial management reforms.
The Commission reiterated its commitment to continuous staff development as a key strategy for improving service delivery, strengthening institutional systems, and promoting transparency and accountability across all its operations.
The latest initiative further reflects the determination of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities to build a stronger and more efficient institution capable of effectively advancing the rights, welfare, and inclusion of Persons with Disabilities across Nigeria.
