AGF Pledges Focus on Reforms, PFM Bill Passage
By Patience Ikpeme
The newly appointed Accountant General of the Federation (AGF), Mr. Shamseldeen Ogunijmi, has declared his intention to prioritize positive reforms aimed at enhancing the efficiency of the federation’s treasury.
Among the key reforms on his agenda, the AGF also conveyed his commitment to ensuring the successful enactment of the Public Financial Management (PFM) Bill.
According to a statement released by the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation (OAGF), signed by Mr. Bawa Mokwa, Mr. Ogunijmi made these pronouncements during a meeting with the Director General of the Bureau of Public Service Reforms (BPSR), Dr. Dasuki Arabi, who led a delegation from the Agency on a courtesy visit to the AGF.
The PFM Bill is an initiative originating from the OAGF, designed to provide a legal framework for the federal government’s public finance management reform initiatives and the operations of the treasury.
Speaking to the BPSR Director General, Mr. Ogunjimi stated, “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.”
He indicated plans for a stakeholders’ engagement on the proposed Bill and requested the participation of the Bureau of Public Service Reforms in this process.
Mr. Ogunjimi acknowledged the crucial role played by the BPSR in public service reforms and conveyed the OAGF’s determination to collaborate closely with the Agency to advance treasury reforms and improve public financial management practices in Nigeria.
Earlier in the meeting, the Director-General of the Bureau of Public Service Reforms, Dr. Dasuki Arabi, explained that the visit was intended to strengthen the relationship between the BPSR and the OAGF and to explore opportunities for joint efforts in driving reforms and enhancing service delivery within the country’s public service.
He announced that the BPSR would undertake a nationwide impact assessment of the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS), noting that the OAGF would have an active role in this initiative.
Dr. Arabi also brought to the AGF’s attention the outstanding entitlements of government employees who were disengaged from service during the 2006 right-sizing exercise.
He suggested the formation of a committee to verify these outstanding entitlements and address related complaints, with the aim of resolving them.
