Office of the Auditor General of the Federation Commits to Enforce Guidelines on Constituency Projects.
The Office of the Accountant General of the Federation (OAGF) has pledged to uphold compliance with government guidelines and circulars regarding the execution and payment for constituency projects.
In a statement issued to Journalists by Bawa Mokwa,
Director Press and Public Relations said the commitment was expressed by the Accountant General of the Federation (AGF), Mr. Babatunde Ogunjimi, during a recent meeting with the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs, Mr. Onwusoro Maduka Ihemelandu, in Abuja.
Mr. Ogunjimi reiterated the OAGF’s support for the Federal Ministry’s initiative aimed at ensuring adherence to established government directives concerning constituency projects.
“We will enforce these guidelines rigorously; it is essential that they are integrated into the necessary documentation for all constituency projects,” stated the AGF.
He assured that guidelines related to constituency projects will be a focal point during all OAGF interactions with stakeholders, providing the Ministry of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs ample opportunity to present its perspectives and insights.
Furthermore, Mr. Ogunjimi emphasized that future circulars from the OAGF concerning project closure and capital expenditures will highlight the importance of compliance with these guidelines.
He encouraged the Ministry of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs to strengthen its engagement with relevant government agencies, stakeholders, and the National Assembly to enhance awareness of the guidelines and circulars.
During the meeting, Mr. Ihemelandu called for a halt to payments for constituency projects that do not comply with the Federal Government’s guidelines and circulars and have not received proper certification from his Ministry.
He expressed concern that many agencies have proceeded with execution and payments for constituency projects without adherence to these standards, which compromises the value derived from government expenditures.
The Permanent Secretary emphasized the necessity of collaboration between the Ministry and the OAGF to ensure full implementation of the guidelines, insisting that no payments should be authorized for constituency projects without prior verification by his Ministry.
