The Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation has denied reports suggesting the Federal Government issued a six-month ultimatum to the World Bank over delays linked to project approvals.
The Office said comments made by the Accountant-General of the Federation, Shamseldeen Ogunjimi, during a meeting with a World Bank delegation were misinterpreted.
In a statement signed by Bawa Mokwa, the Office explained that the Accountant-General only stressed the need for timely processing of no-objection requests tied to World Bank-funded projects in Nigeria.
According to the statement, the Accountant-General noted that the facilities accessed by Nigeria are loans and not grants, making it necessary for projects linked to them to be executed within approved timelines and fiscal cycles.
MUST READ: Gabam Rejects Bauchi SDP Convention
The Office clarified that no ultimatum or threat was issued to the World Bank, adding that the Accountant-General instead called for stronger collaboration in the deployment of project accountants, assistant project accountants and internal auditors for federally funded World Bank projects.
The OAGF also reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, accountability and public financial management reforms, including the digitalisation of financial processes, improved audit reporting and stronger institutional efficiency in line with global best practices.
Editor: Ada Ononye
