The Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation (OAGF) has committed to strengthening its oversight of constituency projects, aiming to curb irregularities and ensure adherence to government guidelines. This renewed focus stems from concerns over the misuse of public funds allocated to these projects, often characterized by non-compliance with established procedures and a lack of transparency. The OAGF, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs, seeks to enforce existing guidelines stringently, making compliance a prerequisite for project execution and payment. This initiative aims to maximize the impact of constituency projects and ensure that public funds are utilized effectively for the benefit of the intended communities.
The AGF, Mr. Babatunde Ogunjimi, emphasized the OAGF’s commitment to enforcing the guidelines, promising to integrate them into all project documentation and stakeholder engagements. This proactive approach aims to raise awareness and ensure that all parties involved understand and adhere to the established procedures. By incorporating the guidelines into OAGF circulars on closure and capital projects, the OAGF aims to embed compliance within the core operational framework of project management, further strengthening accountability and transparency in the execution of constituency projects.
The collaboration between the OAGF and the Ministry of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs is crucial to the success of this initiative. The Ministry, responsible for overseeing the implementation of these projects, will play a key role in verifying compliance and ensuring that funds are disbursed only for projects that adhere to the established guidelines. This partnership aims to create a robust monitoring and evaluation system that prevents the misuse of funds and guarantees that projects are executed according to established standards.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs, Mr. Onwusoro Ihemelandu, highlighted the prevalence of non-compliance with government guidelines and circulars in the execution and payment of constituency projects. He stressed that this practice undermines the government’s efforts to achieve value for money and deliver meaningful development to communities. By requiring adherence to guidelines and verification by the Ministry, the government aims to ensure that funds are utilized effectively and that projects deliver the intended benefits.
The OAGF’s commitment to enforce guidelines, coupled with the Ministry’s emphasis on verification, signals a significant step towards improving accountability and transparency in the management of constituency projects. This collaborative effort seeks to address long-standing concerns about the misuse of public funds and ensure that these projects contribute meaningfully to community development. By incorporating compliance within the core framework of project management, the government aims to create a system that minimizes irregularities and maximizes the impact of public spending.
Furthermore, the OAGF’s pledge to incorporate the guidelines into all stakeholder engagements signals a broader commitment to transparency and accountability. By involving stakeholders in the process and ensuring that all parties are aware of the guidelines, the OAGF seeks to create a collaborative environment where compliance is not merely enforced but understood and embraced. This approach will foster a sense of shared responsibility in ensuring the proper execution of constituency projects and the effective use of public funds. The continued engagement with relevant government agencies, stakeholders, and the National Assembly is critical to ensuring the widespread adoption and enforcement of these guidelines, ultimately leading to a more efficient and accountable system for the management of constituency projects.
