Ministry asks OAGF to halt payments for unverified

From Adanna Nnamani, Abuja

The Federal Ministry of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs has called on the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation (OAGF) to halt payments for constituency projects not executed in accordance with Federal Government guidelines and circulars.

This was disclosed in a statement issued by the spokesperson of the OAGF, Bawa Mokwa on Thursday.

According to the statement, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Onwusoro Ihemelandu, made the demand during a courtesy visit to the Accountant General of the Federation, Babatunde Ogunjimi, in Abuja on Wednesday.

He said that payments should only be made after proper verification and certification by his Ministry.

He raised concern that despite existing guidelines, some government agencies continue to execute and disburse funds for constituency projects without adhering to the stipulated procedures or seeking validation from the appropriate authorities.

Ihemelandu pointed out that this practice does not allow the government to get maximum value for the funds spent on these projects.

He appealed for stronger collaboration between the Ministry and the OAGF to ensure full enforcement of the guidelines and to prevent unauthorized payments.

In response, Ogunjimi, pledged the OAGF’s support to uphold compliance with all relevant circulars governing constituency projects. He assured that the guidelines would be made a mandatory component of all project documentation and engagements with stakeholders.

“We will give bite to these guidelines; we will ensure that this guidelines is projected adequately and that it becomes part of the prerequisite documentation for all constituency projects”, the AGF said.

He further noted that future OAGF circulars on project closure and capital releases would emphasise strict compliance with the constituency project guidelines.

Ogunjimi also advised the Ministry to continue its engagement with other key government agencies and the National Assembly to drive broader awareness and enforcement.