Anambra Embraces Digital Fiscal Reporting as CBN Trains State, LGA Officials

By Olisemeka Obeche

Anambra State has taken major step towards digital transformation in fiscal data management as the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) trains state and local government officials on a new digital questionnaire for fiscal statistics collection and reporting.

The training took place on October 29, 2026, during the Sub-National Fiscal Statistics Stakeholder Engagement hosted by the CBN Statistics Department at its Awka Branch.

The engagement brought together 72 participants from Anambra State and all 21 Local Government Areas (LGAs), including senior fiscal officials, Directors of Planning, Research and Statistics, treasury and accounts officers, and CBN personnel.

Among the dignitaries in attendance were the Accountant-General of Anambra State, Mr Anchor Chinedu Joachin; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Dr Nwabufor Nwankwo; Director of Planning, Research and Statistics, Mrs Ginikanwa Grace Elewechi; representative of the CBN Director of Statistics, Dr Charles Chiemeke; and CBN Awka Branch Controller, Mr Akobundu Onwuchekwa, CFA.

Also present were Heads of Budget, Planning, Research and Statistics (BPRS) Offices from the 21 LGAs, alongside other key representatives of the local governments.

CBN Pushes for Improved Fiscal Data Management

Speakers at the engagement highlighted the importance of accurate, timely and reliable sub-national fiscal statistics in strengthening public financial management.

They noted that quality fiscal data remains essential for effective budgeting, development planning, fiscal monitoring and informed monetary policy decisions.

The transition from manual fiscal data returns to a digital reporting system is expected to streamline data collection, improve reporting efficiency and enhance the quality of fiscal information generated across the state and its local governments.

Officials Receive Practical Training on Digital Questionnaire

A major highlight of the engagement was a hands-on training session, during which participants were guided through the new digitised questionnaire.

The questionnaire is expected to become the standard platform for fiscal data collection and reporting once testing and other preparatory processes are completed.

The digital platform is scheduled to commence with the annual fiscal survey, marking a significant shift from the existing manual reporting system.

Anambra Maintains Strong Fiscal Reporting Record

Anambra State has demonstrated commendable consistency in fiscal data reporting, recording a 100 per cent return rate on its major fiscal surveys over the past two years.

The state’s established reporting record provides a strong foundation for the adoption of the new digital system.

The engagement also underscored the commitment of Anambra’s fiscal officials to collaborating with the CBN in improving the accuracy, completeness and timeliness of sub-national fiscal statistics.

The initiative represents an important milestone in the digitalisation of fiscal data collection and reporting in Anambra State, with the potential to strengthen fiscal transparency, accountability and evidence-based governance across the state and its 21 LGAs.

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