The Accountant General of the Federation (AGF), Dr Oluwatoyin Madein, has clarified that the OAGF does not make payments on behalf of MDAs for projects and programmes implemented by the MDAs.
The minister had asked the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation to pay the said amount to the personal account of a certain Oniyelu Bridget Mojisola.
Betty Edu’s request was contained in a letter referenced: FMHAPA/HQ/S.208 and dated December 20, 2023.
She explained that the payment was meant for grants to vulnerable groups in Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Ogun and Lagos States.
Accountant-General
However,reacting to media reports concerning a request from the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation to pay grants to vulnerable groups in some States of the Federation.
A statement signed by OAGF Director Press
Bawa Mokwa and shared with journalists on Saturday stated that allocations are released to self-accounting MDAs in line with the budget, and such MDAs are responsible for the implementation of their projects and payments for such projects.
the AGF explained that although her Office received the said request from the Ministry, it did not carry out the payment. The Ministry was, however, advised on the appropriate steps to take in making such payments in line with the established payment procedure.
According to the AGF,” Payments are usually processed by the affected Ministries as self-accounting entities and no bulk payment is supposed to be made to an individual’s account in the name of Project Accountant.
“Such payment should be sent to the beneficiaries through their verified bank accounts”.
Dr. Madein reiterated her determination to uphold the principles of accountability and transparency in the management of public finances. She advised MDAs to always ensure that the requisite steps are taken in carrying out financial transactions.
