Nine Months After Tinubu’s Approval, MDAs Yet To Implement Directive On Contractors’ Payment

Ministries, Departments, and Agencies of goevrnment are yet to implement the Bottom-Up Cash Planning approach approved by the Bola Ahmed Tinubu government back in April 2024.

This was disclosed by the Minister of State for Finance, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite.

Last year, a guideline was issued on the Bottom-Up Cash plan to optimize government revenues.

The guideline provides that MDA payment on the Government Integrated Financial and Management Information System (GIFMIS) shall be made directly to the contractor and beneficiaries by the Accountant-General of the Federation without the need to release funds to the MDAs.

However, the MDAs will be responsible for their financial transactions, processes and internal control systems.

Among other provisions, the guideline requires Accounting Officers to ensure all treasury functions in MDAs are performed only by treasury officers deployed by the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation.

The guideline also tasked MDAs to request more staff members in the event of shortages for the new policy.

But 10 months later, the minister admitted that challenges persist.

Some of the challenges she highlighted include “concerns about the policy’s processes taking too much time and the need for some Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to develop the necessary expertise and tools” to fully implement the Bottom-Up Cash Planning approach.

“By adopting this policy, we reaffirm our dedication to the efficient use of public funds, which is critical to driving impactful development programs and meeting the needs of our people,” said the minister.

The minister said the government is engaging in an open and constructive dialogue with stakeholders to identify areas for improvement and develop solutions.

The minister, however, encouraged stakeholders to actively participate, share insights, and propose actionable solutions.

“We can build a more transparent, accountable, and efficient public financial management system that serves the best interest of all Nigerians,” she added.

Nine Months After Tinubu’s Approval, MDAs Yet To Implement Directive On Contractors’ Payment is first published on The Whistler Newspaper