AGF Seeks Transparency, Accountability in Governance

James Emejo in Abuja

The Accountant General of the Federation (AGF), Dr. Oluwatoyin Madein, has called for transparency and accountability at all tiers and aspects of governance in the country. 

The AGF made the call at the 2024 meeting of the National Council on Finance and Economic Development (NACOFED) in Bauchi State.

She said transparency and accountability should not be solely about finances or financial mangers, adding that other variables, including human resources, should be accounted for. 

Madein said, “Transparency doesn’t end with finances, it goes round to even the store keeper and those that manage the kitchen. Infrastructure has to be accounted for, everything that can be  used indiscriminately, must be properly accounted for in a transparent manner.

“If we only build structures around how finances can be controlled, and leave the other areas without much control mechanism, then we are just doing haphazard job. We need to build serious control measures around our assets.”

In a statement issued by Director, Press and Public Relations, OAFG, Mr. Bawa Mokwa, the AGF noted that it was imperative for persons in positions of authority to adequately account for assets that are procured through public funds.

She said, “When funds are released for the purpose of increasing assets of the government, those assets must be accounted for by those that are handling them.”

On fiscal discipline, Madein, further urged governments at all levels to adopt appropriate control measures and imbibe the culture of savings and viable investments to guarantee availability of financial and other resources during the rainy day. 

According to her, “Savings is good and savings at the time of plenty is advisable. Governments at all levels should save from whatever comes to them so that they can have what to fall back to in any adverse situation.”