ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- The Accountant-General of the Federation (AGF), Oluwatoyin Madein, has disclosed that she did not comply with the contentious request made by the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Betta Edu, to transfer N585.198 million into a personal account.
In a letter dated 20 December, 2023, referencing FMHAPA/HQ/S.208, Minister Edu had sought the funds’ transfer to the personal account of Oniyelu Bridget Mojisola, stating it was meant for grants to vulnerable groups in Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Ogun, and Lagos States.
Following public outcry over the perceived illegality of the minister’s request, the AGF clarified her position in a statement issued by the OAGF Director of Press, Bawa Mokwa, on Saturday in Abuja.
The statement emphasized that it was not the AGF’s role to make payments for projects on behalf of ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs).
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Madein stated, “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.”
While acknowledging her office received the request from the Ministry, the AGF clarified that no payment was executed, and the Ministry was advised on the appropriate steps to follow in accordance with established payment procedures.
Explaining the correct procedure, the AGF clarified, “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 stressed that payments should be directed to beneficiaries through their verified bank accounts.
Madein reaffirmed her commitment to upholding principles of accountability and transparency in managing public finances. She advised MDAs to ensure the necessary steps are taken when conducting financial transactions.
The story concludes with an unrelated quote from Mr. Ganduje emphasizing the purpose of state creation to spread development across the country.