By Bashir Bello
Since his appointment as Accountant General in August 2023, Nura Tela has become a central figure in a sweeping transformation of Katsina State’s financial landscape. Appointed by Governor Dikko Radda, Tela was tasked with a clear mandate: instill transparency, enhance accountability, and optimize the state’s economic performance. His tenure has been marked by significant institutional and technological reforms that are reshaping how public funds are managed and reported.
Tela’s professional background and a shared commitment to the “Building Your Future” blueprint have positioned him as a driving force in the administration’s push for good governance. His office is the engine of a new era of fiscal discipline, moving the state towards an accountable and efficient system that aligns with international best practices.
Blocking Leakages with the Treasury Single Account
One of the most significant achievements of Nura Tela’s tenure is the rigorous implementation and enforcement of the Treasury Single Account (TSA) system. A key challenge in the past was the existence of numerous parallel accounts operated by various self-sustaining government agencies, leading to manual loopholes and incomplete financial records.
Under Tela’s leadership, these agencies were successfully integrated into the state’s main treasury. This critical step ensures that every Naira generated is captured in government records, allowing for robust cash control and comprehensive fiscal reporting. The impact has been immediate and substantial; in a short period between September and November 2025, these agencies generated over ₦3 billion, revenue that previously went largely unrecorded. This transparency not only ensures accountability but also strengthens the state’s position for federal performance-based grants, which rely on transparent Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) records.
Embracing Global Standards and Data-Driven Decisions
Tela has championed the adoption of the International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) accrual basis for financial reporting. This commitment to global accounting standards provides a more “true and fair view” of the state’s financial position, enhancing credibility and comparability for stakeholders, including potential investors and development partners.
The Accountant General’s office is also focused on data-driven policy making. Budget performance reports are regularly published on the Katsina State government website, offering citizens and civil society organizations a window into how public funds are utilized and allowing for performance monitoring against planned activities. This commitment to accessible financial data is a cornerstone of the administration’s transparency agenda.
Prudent Debt Management and Worker Welfare
Beyond internal reforms, Tela’s office plays a crucial role in managing the state’s fiscal health. Through proactive debt management policies and increased IGR, the administration has ensured that debt levels remain within sustainable limits. A Debt Sustainability Analysis (DSA) report indicates a positive long-term outlook, a testament to the sound strategies being implemented.
Perhaps most tangibly, these financial efficiencies have translated into improved welfare for public servants. Following comprehensive negotiations, Governor Radda announced and implemented a new N70,000 minimum wage for all categories of state and local government workers, effective December 2024. This decisive action, supported by the state’s improved financial standing, reflects a recognition of the workforce’s critical role in driving development.
Nura Tela’s tenure has been characterized by strategic, impactful reforms that have not only stabilized Katsina’s finances but also paved the way for sustainable growth and a more transparent, accountable government.
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