ABUJA, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)-The Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation (OAGF) has dismissed reports claiming that the Federal Government issued a “six-months ultimatum” to the World Bank.
The clarification was contained in a statement issued on Saturday in Abuja by the Director of Press and Public Relations of the OAGF, Bawa Mokwa.
Mokwa explained that remarks made by the Accountant-General of the Federation, Dr Shamseldeen Ogunjimi, during a meeting with a World Bank delegation were intended to encourage prompt consideration of funding requests.
According to him, the AGF only stressed that the facilities being accessed by Nigeria were loans and not grants.
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He added that timely release of funds would help ensure that projects tied to the facilities were executed within approved timelines and fiscal cycles.
Mokwa said: “At no point did the AGF issue a threat or ultimatum to the World Bank.
“Rather, he underscored the importance of stronger collaboration and favourable consideration in the processing.
“There was no objection requests by the OAGF to the World Bank when such requests for the deployment of Projects Accountants, and others that has a duration of more than six months before the project closure.
“The OAGF remains committed to maintaining a cordial and productive relationship with the World Bank and other development partners, and effective public financial management in Nigeria.
“The Office reiterates its commitment to ongoing reforms, including the digitalisation of financial management processes, in line with global best practices.”