The Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation (OAGF) has denied media reports alleging that the federal government issued a six-month ultimatum to the World Bank over project approvals and funding processes.
In a statement issued by the director of Press and Public Relations of the OAGF, Bawa Mokwa, the office clarified that comments made by the Accountant-General of the Federation, Shamseldeen Babatunde Ogunjimi, during a meeting with a World Bank delegation were misunderstood.
According to the statement, the Accountant-General merely stressed the need for timely consideration and processing of “No Objection” requests by the OAGF to support Nigeria’s development priorities.
The statement explained that the AGF noted that the facilities being accessed by Nigeria from the World Bank are loans rather than grants, making it necessary for approvals and related processes to be handled efficiently to ensure projects are executed within approved timelines and fiscal cycles.
“At no point did the AGF issue a threat or ultimatum to the World Bank,” the statement said.
It added that the Accountant-General only emphasised the importance of stronger collaboration, mutual understanding, and favourable consideration in the processing of requests concerning the deployment of project accountants, assistant project accountants, and internal auditors from the Treasury for Federal Government-funded World Bank projects lasting more than six months before project closure.
The OAGF reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining cordial and productive relations with the World Bank and other development partners in promoting transparency, accountability, and effective public financial management in Nigeria.
The office also reiterated its commitment to ongoing reforms, including the digitalisation of financial management processes, timely audit reporting, and strengthening institutional efficiency in line with global best practices.
