Accountant General of the Federation (AGF), Dr. Oluwatoyin Madein, has clarified that her office does not make payments on behalf of MDAs for projects and programmes implemented by the same MDAs.
The AGF was reacting to media reports about 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 a statement issued by the director of press in the office of AGF, Bawa Mokwa on Saturday, the AGF explained that although her office received the said request from the ministry, it did not carry out the payment. She said the ministry was, however, advised on the appropriate steps to take in making such payments in line with the established payment procedure.
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.
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 will 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.
