Abuja — The Federal Government yesterday charged stakeholders in the economy as well as experts in the financial sector to proffer solutions to problems identified in the newly introduced electronic payment (e-payment) system.

Giving this charge yesterday in Abuja at a one-day public workshop organised by JK Consulting Company Limited in collaboration with MUSC Nigeria Limited, Finance Minister, Dr. Mansur Muhtar, said it was the task of all and sundry to fine-tune the process of the government's new payment system.

The workshop had as theme: "e-payment System: Practical Solutions to Matters Arising". Mansur who was represented by Director, Finance and Accounts of the Ministry, Mr. Sani Garba, however noted that the Federal Government was trying to ensure the feasibility of the e-payment policy through public forum.

The e-payment, according to him, will ensure "transparency and accountability as it eliminates cash/cheque and allow little or no contact with beneficiaries of funds."

The e-payment system of the Federal Government was introduced at the beginning of this year by President Umaru Musa Yar'Adua as a means of payment for all transactions and expenditure of the government.

The development was sequel to the successful implementation of government's pilot programme in selected ministries, in the payment of salaries to civil servants using the Integrated Personal Payment and Management Information System (IPPIS), which started in 2006.

Remarking, Accountant General of the Federation (AGF), Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo, gave assurances that challenges in the e-payment system would be addressed within a short time. Represented by Director, Finance and Accounts, Office of OAGF, Hajia Fatima Nana Mande, Dankwambo said: "We experienced some challenges. There is no perfect system. We just have to move ahead." President and Managing Consultant/ CEO of JK Consulting and former Accountant General of the Federation, Mr. Kayode Naiyeju, explained the essence of the workshop, which attracted government officials from the MDAs, organised private sector, amongst others. He said the workshop was organised to deliberate on the new payment policy and issues surrounding the introduction and implementation of the e-payment system, so far. In other words, we are to take stock of how the new policy has actually met its objectives and the departure from them. At the end of the day, we should be able to fashion out workable solutions to all possible challenges the system must have posed," he said. He added: "Our honest and frank findings and recommendations will definitely assist the government and all stakeholders in having an efficient e-payment system. This will be our modest contribution towards the achievement of the present government's agenda."