AGF to Minister Edu: Bulk funds should not be paid to private accounts

The Accountant-General of the Federation (AGF), Dr Oluwatoyin Madein, has clarified that no bulk money should be paid into an individual’s account in the name of Project Accountant under the Federal Government’s financial regulations.

Madein said she did not carry out the request of Dr Betta Edu, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation to pay N585 million into a private account of a civil servant in the ministry because it violates the principles of accountability and transparency in the management of public finances.

The AGF was reacting to a memo that surfaced on Friday, alleging Edu of asking her to pay the sum of N585 million to Ms Oniyelu Bridget Mojisola, “Project Accountant” for the Renewed Hope Grant for vulnerable groups, a development that has generated outrage on social media.

A statement issued on Saturday by Mr Bawa Mokwa, the Director of Press in the AGF’s office, said: “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.

“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.”

According to the AGF, beneficiaries of projects should be paid through their verified bank accounts.

Madein restated her commitment to upholding the principles of accountability and transparency in the management of public finances.

“MDAs should always ensure that the requisite steps are followed in carrying out financial transactions.”