BREAKING: Humanitarian Minister paid money into private account in desperation against our advice – Accountant General

The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Dr. Betta Edu paid government money into private account in desperation against our advice, the Accountant General of the Federation (AGF), Dr Oluwatoyin Madein, has revealed.

Reacting to media reports that the OAGF played a role in payment of funds meant for the NSIP into private account by the Minister, the OAGF in a statement on Saturday by Director of Press, Bawa Mokwa, said the Office does not make payments on behalf of MDAs for projects and programmes implemented by the MDAs.

The reaction was at the backdrop of reports credited to Betta Edu that she made a request from the OAGF that grants be paid to vulnerable groups in some States of the Federation.

The AGF said funds are released to self-accounting MDAs, including Humanitarian Affairs in line with the budget which they are responsible for implementation of their projects and payments for such projects.

The statement revealed that the OAGF received a request from Humanitarian Affairs, but was advised on steps to take, which she never obliged and went ahead to make payment to private account against financial procedure.

The AGF noted that in such situations, payments are usually processed by the affected Ministries as self-accounting entities and no bulk payment is supposed to be made to an individual’s account in the name of Project Accountant.

She added that such payment should be sent to the beneficiaries through their verified bank accounts.

Dr. Madein reiterated her determination to uphold the principles of accountability and transparency in the management of public finances.

She advised MDAs to always ensure that the requisite steps are taken in carrying out financial transactions.