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.
In a statement by Director (Press) in the OAGF, Bawa Mokwa, Saturday in Abuja, Madein explained 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’s reaction comes following media reports that the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation had written requesting the AOAGF to make payment to vulnerable groups in some States of the Federation.
AGF explained that although her Office received the said request from the Ministry, it did not carry out the payment as the ministry was advised on the appropriate steps to take in making such payments in line with the established payment procedure.
The AGF noted that in such situations, 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.
She added that such payment should be sent to the beneficiaries through their verified bank accounts.
She 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.
