*Pix above(r-l): Dr Oluwatoyin Madein, AGF and Dr Betta Edun, HMHAPA
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The Acccountant-General of the Federation, Oluwatoyin Madein, has disclosed why she rejected Tinubu’s Humanitarian Affairs Minister, Betta Edu’s request to transfer N585.198m into personal account – saying it runs foul of public accounting procedures.
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).
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.
A statement by the Director (Press) of the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation (OAGF), Bawa Mokwa, reads inter alia:
“The AGF explained that although her Office received the said request from the Ministry, it did not carry out the payment. The Ministry was however advised on the appropriate steps to take in making such payments in line with the established payment procedure.
“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 should be sent to the beneficiaries through their verified bank accounts.
Dr M“adein 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. “
More Insights
The controversy surrounding the transfer of N585 million of public funds into a private account involves Betta Edu, Nigeria’s Minister of Humanitarian Affairs.
The controversy gained traction when the letter requesting the fund transfer surfaced on social media./PLEASE SHARE
*Tags:Dr Oluwatoyin Madein, Dr Betta Edun, illegal payment request, OAGF
