Mr. Shamseldeen Ogunijimi, the Accountant General of the Federation, says he is committed to facilitating the successful enactment of the Public Financial Management (PFM) Bill.
According to a statement released by Bawa Mokwa, Director of Information, Press and Public Relations (OAGF), obtained by Persecondnews, the assurance was given during a courtesy visit from Dr. Dasuki Arabi, the Director General of the Bureau of Public Service Reforms (BPSR), and his team.
The PFM Bill, spearheaded by the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation, is designed to provide a legal framework for the federal government’s public finance management reforms and the treasury’s operational procedures.
Ogunijimi said a stakeholders’ engagement has been planned for the proposed bill and solicited the involvement of the Bureau of Public Service Reforms in the engagement.
The AGF also explained that he would give priority to positive reforms that would reposition the treasury of the federation for a more efficient performance.
Ogunijimi also acknowledged the pivotal role that the BPSR plays in public service reforms and expressed the resolve of the OAGF to work closely with the agency to drive treasury reforms and improve public financial management in Nigeria.
“I am aware of the Public Financial Management Bill. I am a member of the committee that is putting the bill together, so it is going to be one of my priorities to see that the bill is passed,” he said.
Earlier, Arabi said the visit was to strengthen the bond between the BPSR and the OAGF and also explore opportunities for synergy to drive reforms and improve service delivery in the country’s public service.
He said the BPSR was to undertake a nationwide impact assessment of the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS), adding that the OAGF would be actively involved in the initiative.
Arabi further drew the attention of the Accountant General to the outstanding entitlements of government employees who were disengaged from service during the 2006 rightsizing exercise.
He suggested the setting up of a committee to verify the outstanding entitlements and other complaints for settlement.
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