I’ll Prioritise PFM Bill’s Passage – AGF Ogunjimi Assures

BY COBHAM NSA – The Accountant General of the Federation (AGF), Mr Shamseldeen Ogunjimi, has promised to ensure the successful passage of the Public Financial Management (PFM) Bill as part of efforts to enhance transparency and public financial management in the country

The Office of the Accountant General of the Federation (OAGF) initiated the PFM Bill to give legal backing to the Federal Government’s public finance management reform initiatives, as well as effective delivery by the Treasury of the federation.

Speaking when the Director General of the Bureau of Public Service Reforms (BPSR), Dr Dasuki Arabi, led a team on a courtesy visit to his office, Mr Ogunjimi said; “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”.

The AGF, who also disclosed that a stakeholders’ engagement is in the offing for the proposed Bill, solicited the involvement of the Bureau in the planned engagement, saying priority would be given to positive reforms aimed at repositioning the Treasury of the federation for more efficient performance.

While acknowledging the pivotal role being played by the BPSR in public service reforms, Mr Ogunjimi further promised that the OAGF would work closely with the Bureau to drive Treasury reforms and improve public financial management in Nigeria.

According to a statement by Bawa Mokwa, Director of Information, Press and Public Relations (OAGF), the BPSR’s Director-General, Dr Dasuki Arabi, had in his remarks explained that the visit seeks to strengthen the existing bond between the BPSR and the OAGF while also exploring opportunities for synergy to drive reforms and improve service delivery in the nation’s public service.

Furthermore, Arabi hinted that the BPSR would soon be embarking on a nationwide impact assessment of the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS), adding that the OAGF will be actively involved in the initiative focused on improving service delivery in the financial system.

Also drawing the AGF’s attention to the outstanding entitlements of government employees who were disengaged from service during the 2006 right-sizing exercise, the BPSR boss pleaded that a committee be put in place to verify the claims and other complaints so that these could be properly sorted out.

Arabi, who used the occasion to formally congratulate the AGF on his appointment, expressed optimism in his ability to lead the Treasury to greater heights of achievements going forward.