FG says it saves N45bn monthly from TSA

18 Nov FG says it saves N45bn monthly from TSA

The Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Mrs. Zainab Ahmed, said yesterday that the federal government is currently saving an average of N45 billion monthly in interest payments following the implementation of the TSA.

Ahmed spoke during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on TSA between Nigeria and the Republic of The Gambia, explaining that that among other verifiable benefits, Nigeria could now easily determine its aggregate cash balance, which is critical for managing public finances at a time of acute fiscal constraints.

She said, “On the monetary policy side, we have better control over money supply and, therefore, able to rein in inflation and undue pressure on the naira. Our foreign reserves position has also recorded appreciable improvement through the consolidation of the federal government foreign currency earnings under the TSA.”

Highlighting the essence of the MoU, she said: “In a nutshell, the cooperation seeks to avail the Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs of The Gambia of the vast knowledge, experience and technical expertise that Nigeria has gained in the past 15 years of implementing TSA in particular and other public financial management (PFM) reforms in general.

“By so doing, The Gambia is properly guided as it implements its own TSA. The co-operation will enable The Gambia to leverage on the experience of Nigeria to build on our strengths while avoiding our mistakes.

“We are happy to support The Gambia in their bid to implement TSA and other PFM reforms. We are also open to supporting other African countries which may want to build on our experience and significant progress in TSA implementation.
“It is our belief that African countries are better off learning from each other and supporting each other because of our shared culture and history.”

In her remarks, the leader of the Gambian delegation to the MoU signing ceremony, the country’s Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Finance and Economy, Ms. Ada Gaye, explained that cooperation has helped them to understand the workings of the TSA.

“The Gambia wants to efficiently manage its funds; the fragmentation of accounting systems in The Gambia is huge. It is, therefore, noteworthy for The Gambia to adopt TSA.

“Nigeria is the big brother while The Gambia is the small brother. We are happy to cement this brotherly love,” she said.

At the ceremony, the Governor of CBN,  Godwin Emefiele, said the role of the apex bank is critical to the overall success of TSA.