Accountant General Questions Edu’s N585M Private Account Request in Palliative Controversy

Last updated: 2024/01/06 at 7:46 PM

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Oluwatoyin Madein

Dr. Oluwatoyin Madein, the Accountant General of the Federation (AGF), has addressed recent reports suggesting direct execution of payments for Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) projects. Amidst uproar concerning a request from the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation for a N585 million payment to a private account, the AGF emphasized her office’s role in this process.

In a statement released by Bawa Mokwa, Director (Press) of the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation (OAGF), Madein clarified that her office does not directly process payments. While the AGF acknowledged receiving the Ministry’s request, she highlighted that her office did not execute the payment. Instead, the Ministry was advised on proper payment procedures aligned with established protocols.

Madein stressed that in such scenarios, payments should be handled by the concerned Ministries as self-accounting entities, advocating for direct transfers to verified bank accounts of beneficiaries rather than bulk payments to individual accounts under project titles.

The controversy revolves around a request made by Nigeria’s Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Betta Edu, to transfer N585 million to a private account linked to Oniyelu Bridget Mojisola, identified as the project accountant for the Renewed Hope Grant for vulnerable groups in Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Lagos, and Ogun States.

Edu defended the payment, citing due process and emphasizing its intention to aid vulnerable groups. Rasheed Zubair, Edu’s Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, reiterated the legality of Oniyelu Bridget’s role as the grant’s Project Accountant from the Department of Finance, dismissing allegations of misconduct against Edu as baseless.

Madein’s statement reiterated her commitment to transparency and accountability in public finance management, urging MDAs to adhere strictly to prescribed financial transaction protocols. She emphasized the need for due diligence in handling public funds, reinforcing the importance of following stipulated procedures for payments to ensure accountability and transparency.

Source: Nairametrics