The Federal Government has ordered all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) operating in states to cease maintaining accounts with commercial banks, in line with the Treasury Single Account (TSA) policy.
This directive was disclosed in a statement issued on Thursday by Bawa Mokwa, the Director of Press and Public Relations at the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation (OAGF). The directive was given by the Accountant-General of the Federation, Dr. Oluwatoyin Madein, during her working visit to the Federal Pay Office in Benin, Edo State.
Dr. Madein emphasized the Federal Government’s commitment to public financial management reforms, stating that MDAs must adhere to the TSA framework and refrain from circumventing its provisions. She cautioned that no MDA is permitted to operate accounts with commercial banks unless explicitly approved by the President and communicated through the OAGF.
“Federal Pay Officers must ensure that Ministries, Departments, and Agencies in the states do not operate accounts with commercial banks or bypass the provisions of the TSA policy,” the statement read. Dr. Madein further clarified that such approvals are subject to specific rules and guidelines.
The Accountant-General urged Federal Pay Officers to uphold transparency, professionalism, and accountability in their operations, warning against actions that could undermine the integrity of the Federal Treasury. She also stressed the need for accurate financial record-keeping in compliance with regulatory standards, adding that officials from the Treasury headquarters would conduct periodic checks.
Dr. Madein revealed that the Federal Government is constructing new Federal Pay Offices in some states to address infrastructure and operational challenges. She reassured staff of the OAGF’s commitment to improving their welfare and ensuring compliance with financial regulations, including the Public Procurement Act and constitutional provisions.
The visit to the Benin Federal Pay Office forms part of Dr. Madein’s nationwide tour to evaluate the operations and challenges faced by Federal Pay Offices across the country.
