The attention of the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation (OAGF) has been drawn to media reports suggesting that the Federal Government issued a “six-month ultimatum” to the World Bank. The OAGF wishes to clarify that the comments made by the Accountant-General of the Federation (AGF), Dr. Shamseldeen Babatunde Ogunjimi, during the meeting with the World Bank delegation were made in the context of encouraging timely consideration and processing of no objection requests by OAGF in support of Nigeria’s development priorities. The AGF emphasized that the facilities being accessed by Nigeria are loans and not grants, and therefore require efficient processing to ensure that projects tied to such facilities are implemented within planned timelines and fiscal cycles. At no point did the AGF issue a threat or ultimatum to the World Bank. Rather, he underscored the importance of stronger collaboration, mutual understanding, timely and favourable consideration in the processing of No Objection requests by the OAGF to World Bank when such requests are made by the OAGF for the deployment of Projects Accountants, Assistant project accountants and project internal auditors from the Treasury for all Federal Government World Bank Funded projects that has a duration of more than 6 months before the project closure. The OAGF remains committed to maintaining a cordial and productive relationship with the World Bank and other development partners in advancing transparency, accountability, and effective public financial management in Nigeria. The Office also reiterates its commitment to ongoing reforms, including the digitalisation of financial management processes, timely audit reporting, and the strengthening of institutional efficiency in line with global best practices.
Leave a Reply