The Federal Government has introduced new financial control measures across Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), limiting reimbursable imprest for top officials and tightening oversight of public funds.
According to the 2026 Annual General Imprest Warrant signed by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, and conveyed through a Federal Treasury Circular dated June 3, ministers will now be entitled to a maximum reimbursable imprest of ₦700,000.
Permanent secretaries and directors-general are capped at ₦500,000, directors and departmental heads at ₦300,000, while heads of formations in states and other authorised officers will be limited to ₦100,000.
The Accountant-General of the Federation, Shamseldeen Ogunjimi, who signed the circular, stressed that the move aligns with Financial Regulation 1003 and is designed to strengthen accountability and prudent resource management.
The directive also restricts the frequency of reimbursements, allowing only one per quarter, with a maximum of two if necessary. Additionally, all procurements above ₦1 million must be conducted through contract awards in line with the Public Procurement Act.
To enhance monitoring, MDAs are required to submit returns within 30 days detailing how 2025 imprest allocations were retired, along with lists of approved imprest holders for 2026.
Imprest holders must also operate dedicated operational bank accounts under the Federal Government’s electronic payment policy, with monthly reports submitted to the Accountant-General.
The Treasury Inspectorate Department will conduct routine inspections throughout the year, with sanctions for violations, including withdrawal of imprest privileges.
Imprest, a cash advance provided to public officers for urgent official expenses, has long been subject to concerns over misuse and weak documentation.
Successive administrations have sought to tighten controls through reforms such as the Treasury Single Account and expanded electronic payment systems.
The latest directive signals the government’s determination to further reinforce transparency, accountability, and value for money in public spending.
Advertise on NigerianEye.com to reach thousands of our daily users
No comments
Post a Comment
Kindly drop a comment below.
(Comments are moderated. Clean comments will be approved immediately)
Advert Enquires - Reach out to us at NigerianEye@gmail.com