The Edo State Government will from March 1, 2023 jettison cash transactions which can be opaque for more transparent cashless mode of transactions.
The Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki announced this on Thursday, February 9, 2023, during a workshop for senior civil and public servants on the State Government’s Code of Ethics organised by the state government’s transformation enhancement programme (Edo STEP), at the Government House, in Benin City.
“I have issued a circular that effective March 1st, government offices will be prohibited from using cash.
“The government is pushing toward a cashless economy. So, why must the service dodge transparency?
He emphasised that: “We should be able to explain every amount we spend and how we earned it.”
Lauding the role of civil servants to governable in the state, Mr Obaseki described their role as “key to any government’s functionality”, pledging his continuous commitment to improving the conditions of work for public and civil servants in Edo State.
He expressed his dissatisfaction over unethical activities and behaviours in the service in spite of his administration’s investment of taxpayers’ monies and commitment to the welfare of civil/public servants.
“We have a crisis on our hands. The level of waste and corruption in our public service must be reduced.
“We must agree to be fair to the government and the people who are your employers”, the Governor warned.
The session also featured presentations from representatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), and Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC), who gave talks on Ethics, Standards, and Physical Accountability.
The high point of the engagement was the presentation of the re-tweaked Edo State Civil/Public Ethical handbook by the Governor, and the declaration of compliance by all civil and public servants present.
