Ogunjimi Pledges To Prioritize Passage Of Public Financial Management Bill

The Accountant-General of the Federation (AGF), Mr Shamseldeen Ogunjimi, has restated his commitment to securing the fast passage of the Public Financial Management (PFM) Bill, a fundamental reform initiative aimed at modernising Nigeria’s public finance management.

During a courtesy visit by the Director-General of the Bureau of Public Service Reforms (BPSR), Dr Dasuki Arabi, Mr Ogunjimi highlighted the importance of the bill, which was initiated by the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation (OAGF) to establish a legal framework for federal government financial reforms and treasury operations.

“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,” Ogunjimi stated during the meeting.

He also revealed plans for an upcoming stakeholders’ engagement regarding the bill and invited the BPSR’s involvement in the process.

The AGF emphasised that his leadership will focus on implementing positive reforms that aim to enhance the efficiency of the federation’s treasury.

He praised the BPSR’s critical role in driving public service reforms and expressed eagerness for collaboration between the two bodies to improve the country’s public financial management.

Earlier in the meeting, Dr. Dasuki Arabi spoke of the purpose of the visit, noting the intention to strengthen the relationship between the BPSR and OAGF.

He also announced a strategy for a nationwide impact evaluation of the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS), in which the OAGF will play a key role.

Arabi also brought up the problem of pending entitlements for government personnel affected by the 2006 right-sizing exercise, recommending the formation of a committee to investigate and settle these issues.

Arabi concluded by congratulating Mr Ogunjimi on his appointment and expressing confidence in his capacity to effectively head the Treasury.

The continuous collaboration between the OAGF and the BPSR is likely to result in critical changes targeted at improving the efficiency and transparency of Nigeria’s public and financial sectors.

Ogunjimi Pledges To Prioritize Passage Of Public Financial Management Bill is first published on The Whistler Newspaper