CSO, Others Query GIFMIS’ Integrity Amid Pervasive Corruption

Civil society organisations (CSO), financial analysts, and anti-corruption advocates have questioned the integrity of the Government Integrated Financial Management Information System (GIFMIS).
They said GIFMIS was designed to enhance public financial management, performance, and outcomes (PFM).

In a statement shared with journalists at the weekend, the national president of the group, Tertsea Manasseh Gbede said GIFMIS is a reform aimed at boosting efficiency, effectiveness, accountability, transparency, data security, and comprehensive financial reporting.

He stated that GIFMIS handles various financial aspects such as payments, receipt collections, accounting, and reporting.

According to him, the key functionalities include: Implementing agencies use the Expenditure Advance Transfer (EAT) module, while the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) handles beneficiary payment.

“Income and custom tax payments are processed via the PRAKALP application, while the ARPIT portal manages indirect taxes.
“Monthly and annual reports are generated using Decision Support System (DSS) and Online Analytical Processing (OLAP) tools.

“GIFMIS manages cash, releases just-in-time funds, and minimises floats with Autonomous Bodies (ABs) through e-Kuber, integrated with PFMS.

However, despite these measures, corruption persists. Cases highlight the misuse of GIFMIS, such as the alleged theft of N249,984,847.62 by an accountant at Usmanu Danfodio University Teaching Hospital via the Integrated Personnel Payroll Information System (IPPIS) and GIFMIS.

“The finance director allegedly embezzled N1.8 billion without documentation, bypassing the accounting officer and executive management.

“A health director reportedly pilfered funds using GIFMIS, leading to a 2022 court judgment by the Abuja Federal High Court.

Gbede noted that over N109 billion was allegedly stolen through GIFMIS in 2022.

“These instances raise critical questions about the system’s integrity. How much more is being stolen? Has a system designed for accountability become a gateway to corruption?” he asked.