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FG directs MDAs in states to stop operating accounts with commercial banks
The federal government has directed Federal Pay Officers (FPOs) across the country to ensure that Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) in the states strictly comply with the Treasury Single Account (TSA) policy by not operating accounts with commercial banks or circumventing its provisions.
The Accountant General of the Federation (AGF), Dr. Oluwatoyin Madein, issued this directive during a working visit to the Federal Pay Office in Benin, Edo State, as part of her ongoing nationwide tour to assess the operations and challenges of FPOs.
A statement from the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation (OAGF), signed by the Director of Press and Public Relations, Bawa Mokwa, said that MDAs must adhere strictly to the TSA framework.
Dr. Madein reiterated that any MDA seeking to operate an account with a commercial bank must obtain direct approval from the President, which must be communicated through the AGF based on established guidelines.
To enforce compliance, she mandated FPOs to uphold transparency, dedication, and professionalism in their duties. As representatives of the OAGF, she urged them to maintain high ethical standards and avoid any actions that could undermine the credibility of the Federal Treasury.
Dr. Madein also stressed the importance of accurate financial records, warning that inefficiency could be perceived if records do not meet the required standards. She assured that officials from the Treasury headquarters would conduct regular inspections of FPOs to ensure compliance.
Additionally, she stressed the need for FPOs to be well-versed in financial regulations, including the Constitution, Financial Regulations, and the Public Procurement Act, to enhance their effectiveness.
Recognizing the operational challenges faced by FPOs, Dr. Madein disclosed that the federal government is constructing new office buildings in some states to provide permanent solutions to accommodation issues. She reaffirmed the OAGF’s commitment to prioritizing the welfare and well-being of FPO staff.
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El-Rufai speaks on Abuja airport arrest attempts by security operatives
El -Rufai wrote.“Our country must outgrow executive overreach particularly involving opposition figures and former public office holders, and deliberate disregard for the rule of law
A former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has condemned what he described as an illegal attempt by security operatives to arrest him at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, following his arrival from Cairo, Egypt.
El-Rufai made this known in a post on his verified X (formerly Twitter) handle on Thursday, where he accused authorities of executive overreach and disregard for the rule of law.
“My lawyers have issued a statement that condemns the illegal attempt to arrest me today at the Abuja airport upon my arrival from Cairo,” El-Rufai wrote.“Our country must outgrow executive overreach particularly involving opposition figures and former public office holders, and deliberate disregard for the rule of law,” he added.
News
INEC needs N873bn for 2027 elections, says Amupitan
The 2027 election budget is structured into five major components: N379.748 billion for operational expenses, N92.317 billion for administrative costs, N209.206 billion for technology, N154.905 billion for capital expenditure, and N42.608 billion for miscellaneous items.
INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan has estimated a total of N873.778 billion for the conduct of the 2027 general elections, while requesting N171 billion for its 2026 operational budget.
Amupitan made the projection on Thursday when he presented the Commission’s budget proposals before the National Assembly Joint Committee on Electoral Matters.
He clarified that the nearly N874 billion earmarked for 2027 polls is separate from the 2026 budget, which covers routine operations, by-elections, and off-cycle polls.
The 2027 election budget is structured into five major components: N379.748 billion for operational expenses, N92.317 billion for administrative costs, N209.206 billion for technology, N154.905 billion for capital expenditure, and N42.608 billion for miscellaneous items.
The projection does not include a pending request by the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) for an upward review of allowances for corps members deployed as ad-hoc election staff.
News
El-Rufai resists arrest by security agents at Abuja Airport
Regarding today’s incident, Muyiwa Adekeye, El-Rufai’s media aide, confirmed that ” As he arrived at the airport, security agents approached him, but Malam El-Rufai declined to follow them without a formal invitation. They, however, snatched his international passport from an aide.”
Security agents today at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, attempted to arrest former Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, upon his arrival from Cairo, Egypt
Ohibaba.com reported the previous day that El-Rufai, in an interview with BBC Hausa, said he could be arrested in Nigeria at any time.
He accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of pressuring politicians to either align with the party or face political consequences.
El-Rufai also claimed that some of his associates had already been detained. “Four people we worked with in Kaduna have been arrested; so it’s only a matter of time before they come for me too,” he said
Regarding today’s incident, Muyiwa Adekeye, El-Rufai’s media aide, confirmed that ” As he arrived at the airport, security agents approached him, but Malam El-Rufai declined to follow them without a formal invitation. They, however, snatched his international passport from an aide.”
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