Addressing recent allegations, the Accountant General of the Federation (AGF), Oluwatoyin Madein, has firmly denied approving a payment into a private account on behalf of the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation.
The controversy surfaced following the disclosure of a letter allegedly sent by the Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Minister, Betta Edu, requesting the transfer of N585 million to an account named Oniyelu Bridget.
In her response, Madein clarified in a statement issued on Saturday by the Office of the AGF (OAGF) spokesperson, Bawa Mokwa, that her office did receive the payment request from the Ministry but did not execute the payment.
She underscored that the office of the AGF does not handle payments for projects and programmes on behalf of various government Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs). Instead, allocations are disbursed to self-accounting MDAs based on the budget, and these entities are responsible for project implementation and associated payments.
Madein disclosed that she provided guidance to the minister on the appropriate procedures for making such payments in accordance with established protocols. In situations like these, payments are typically processed by the concerned ministries as self-accounting entities, avoiding bulk payments to individual accounts in the name of the Project Accountant.
Furthermore, Madein stressed that payments should be directed to beneficiaries through their verified bank account. She urged the MDAs to consistently adhere to proper financial transaction procedures to maintain accountability and transparency.
The AGF reiterated her commitment to upholding the principles of accountability and transparency in the management of public finances, assuring the Nigerian public that her office remains dedicated to ensuring the proper handling of government funds.
