Accountant General Warns MDAs Against Circumventing TSA Policy

The Accountant General of the Federation, Dr. Oluwatoyin Madein, has tasked Federal Pay Officers (FPOs) with ensuring strict compliance with the Treasury Single Account (TSA) policy by Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) in the states.

She warned that no MDA should “operate an account with commercial banks or attempt to bypass the TSA regulations”.

Madein issued this directive during a working visit to the Federal Pay Office (FPOs) in Benin, Edo State, as part of her nationwide tour to assess the operations and challenges of FPOs.

She emphasized that as representatives of the OAGF, Federal Pay Officers must perform their duties with integrity and avoid actions that could undermine public financial management.

Reaffirming the government’s commitment to the TSA policy, she stated that MDAs can only maintain accounts with commercial banks if they obtain direct presidential approval, which must be officially communicated by the Accountant General following established rules and guidelines.

Madein also stressed the importance of maintaining accurate and properly documented financial records.

“No matter how good you are, if your record doesn’t reflect it, it will be difficult to assess your efficiency. Ensure that your records are always correct, presentable, and meet the required standard,” she advised.

To ensure compliance, she noted that officials from the Treasury headquarters would conduct regular visits to review financial records at the FPOs.

Madein further emphasized that for FPOs to perform effectively, they must be well-versed in the Financial Regulations, the Constitution, the Public Procurement Act, and other relevant public finance management policies.

She also announced that the federal governmentt is constructing new Federal Pay Offices in various states to address long-standing accommodation and infrastructure challenges.

“The Office of the Accountant General of the Federation (OAGF) remains committed to prioritizing the welfare and well-being of staff in the Federal Pay Offices,” she assured.

The visit is part of ongoing efforts to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of financial management operations across the country.

Accountant General Warns MDAs Against Circumventing TSA Policy is first published on The Whistler Newspaper