Nigeria’s Accountant General Pushes for Passage of Public Financial Management Bill

Abuja, Nigeria – Mr. Shamseldeen Ogunijimi, the Accountant General of the Federation, has reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring the successful enactment of the Public Financial Management (PFM) Bill, a crucial legislative framework for Nigeria’s financial reforms.

Commitment to Financial Reforms

According to a statement released by Bawa Mokwa, Director of Information, Press and Public Relations at the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation (OAGF), Ogunijimi made this pledge during a courtesy visit from Dr. Dasuki Arabi, Director General of the Bureau of Public Service Reforms (BPSR), and his delegation.

The PFM Bill, championed by the OAGF, aims to establish a legal foundation for the federal government’s public finance management reforms and streamline treasury operations.

Stakeholder Engagement Planned

Ogunijimi revealed that a stakeholders’ engagement session has been scheduled for the proposed bill and invited the BPSR to participate actively in the process. He emphasized his focus on implementing positive reforms to enhance the efficiency of Nigeria’s treasury operations.

“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,” Ogunijimi stated.

Strengthening Collaboration with BPSR

The Accountant General acknowledged the BPSR’s critical role in public service reforms and expressed the OAGF’s determination to work closely with the agency to advance treasury reforms and improve public financial management across Nigeria.

During the meeting, Dr. Arabi explained that the visit aimed to strengthen collaboration between the BPSR and OAGF and explore opportunities for joint initiatives to enhance service delivery in Nigeria’s public sector.

IPPIS Assessment and Employee Entitlements

Arabi also announced plans for a nationwide impact assessment of the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS), with the OAGF playing an active role in the evaluation.

Additionally, he brought attention to unresolved entitlements of government employees affected by the 2006 rightsizing exercise and proposed forming a verification committee to address these outstanding payments and related complaints.

Source: Persecond News