More Trouble for Betta Edu: "Payments into Private Accounts Illegal says OAGF

By Mohammed Bello Doka

In a recent press release, the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation (OAGF) unequivocally stated that it does not make payments on behalf of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs). Dr. Oluwatoyin Madein, the Accountant General, addressed media reports surrounding a payment request from the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, emphasizing that MDAs are responsible for project implementation and associated payments.

Dr. Madein clarified that while her office received the payment request, it did not execute the transaction. Instead, the Ministry was advised on proper payment procedures, consistent with established protocols. The AGF stressed the importance of adhering to the budget allocations, emphasizing that self-accounting MDAs should independently manage their projects and payments.

In response to the controversy, Dr. Madein highlighted that payments for projects should not be made to individual accounts in the name of a Project Accountant. Instead, payments should be directed to beneficiaries through their verified bank accounts, ensuring transparency and accountability.

In an effort to uphold financial integrity, Dr. Madein reinforced her commitment to transparency in public financial management. She urged MDAs to follow proper procedures in all financial transactions to maintain accountability.

The Director (Press), Bawa Mokwa, echoed the AGF's stance in the press release, emphasizing the OAGF's dedication to enforcing financial accountability and adherence to established payment procedures.

Quotes from the press release:

- Dr. Oluwatoyin Madein: "OAGF does not make payments on behalf of MDAs. 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."

- Dr. Oluwatoyin Madein: "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."

- Dr. Oluwatoyin Madein: "Such payment should be sent to the beneficiaries through their verified bank accounts."

This clarification comes amid growing concerns over financial transparency and the need for MDAs to adhere to established financial procedures in carrying out their responsibilities.