The Accountant-General of the Federation (AGF), Dr. Oluwatoyin Madein, has refuted claims of authorizing a reported N585.198 million payment requested by the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Betty Edu.
Dr. Edu had purportedly sought this payment to be directed to the personal account of Oniyelu Bridget Mojisola, referencing a letter dated December 20, 2023, and labeled FMHAPA/HQ/S.208.
The minister justified this request, stating the funds were intended for grants to vulnerable groups in Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Ogun, and Lagos States.
In response to the ensuing controversy surrounding this alleged unauthorized payment, the AGF clarified that it was not within her purview to execute payments for projects on behalf of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).
The AGF’s stance, conveyed through the Office of the Accountant-General’s Director of Press, Mr. Bawa Mokwa, emphasized that allocations are channeled to self-accounting MDAs in line with the budget, with these entities responsible for implementing their projects and handling corresponding payments.
While the AGF acknowledged receiving the payment request from the Ministry, she insisted that her office did not execute the transaction.
Instead, the Ministry was guided on the proper procedures for such payments, stressing that individual accounts under the guise of Project Accountant should not receive bulk payments.
Payments should instead be directed to verified bank accounts of beneficiaries.
Dr. Madein reiterated her commitment to upholding transparency and accountability in managing public finances.
She urged MDAs to consistently adhere to necessary protocols while conducting financial transactions.
