The Accountant-General of the Federation (AGoF), Dr. Oluwatoyin Madein, has clarified that her office does not make payments on behalf of MDAs for projects and programmes implemented by the MDAs.
The AGoF was reacting to media reports concerning a request from the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation for payment of grants to vulnerable groups in some States of the Federation.
In an issued statement in Abuja, signed by the OaGF’s Director of Press, Bawa Mokwa, Dr. Madein 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.
Recall that Dr Betta Edu had cried out to Nigerians over what she described as “disgruntled elements” trying to stain her hard-earned integrity following the Federal Government ongoing N44.8billion fraud investigation in NSIPA.
The Minister said these elements have been trying to link her to a phantom fraud and are behind this latest misadventure by displaying on social media a memo from the ministry to the AGOF approving for payment, of the sum of N585,189,500.00 ‘Renewed Hope Grant for Vulnerable Groups’ for four States, which is currently being circulated in the social media.
In response, the AGoF 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.
In an issued statement in Abuja, the AGOF 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.
The AGoF 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.
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.
