In a recent turn of events, the Accountant General of the Federation, Dr Oluwatoyin Madein, questions the payment of N585 million grants to vulnerable groups, GVG, directed to an individual’s account by Betta Edu, Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation.
Controversy arises from a leaked memo from the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation to the Accountant-General of the Federation, green-lighting the payment of N585,189,500.00 Renewed Hope GVG for four states, channeled to one Oniyelu Bridget.
Rasheed Olanrewaju Zubair (ANIPR), Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to Betta Edu, defends the fund transfer, asserting Oniyelu Bridget’s role as the ‘project accountant for the GVG.’
Emphasizing the legitimacy of the transaction, Zubair clarifies the federal government’s social intervention scheme and the legal use of funds by the project accountant after program completion.
Disagreeing with the bulk payment methodology, Dr Madein insists that such funds should reach beneficiaries directly through verified bank accounts.
She emphasizes the impropriety of channeling GVG funds into an individual’s account in the guise of the project account.
The AGF refutes claims of making payments on behalf of MDAs for projects and programs, as suggested in the leaked memo.
Through a statement by Bawa Mokwa, OAGF Director of Press, the AGF clarifies her office’s role, advising the Ministry on appropriate payment procedures while highlighting the importance of adherence to established financial protocols.
Dr. Madein reiterates her commitment to transparency and accountability in public financial management. She advises MDAs to follow proper steps in financial transactions, emphasizing the need for adherence to established guidelines.
