The Federal Government has deployed select Treasury Officers from across Nigeria to oversee over 40 donor-funded projects, charging them with strict adherence to financial discipline, transparency, and innovation in managing public and borrowed funds.

The directive was issued at a retreat organized by the Federal Projects Financial Management Department (FPFMD) in Abuja, where the Acting Accountant-General of the Federation (AGoF), Shamseldeen Ogunjimi, underscored the crucial role of these officers in national development. Ogunjimi was represented by the Director of Finance and Administration in the Office of the Accountant-General (OAGF), Akuagwu Chucks.

“You have been entrusted with not just public funds, but borrowed funds which must be repaid in time either in ours or that of our children,” Ogunjimi warned, reminding the officers of the long-term implications of mismanaging project finances.

He described their selection from thousands of Treasury personnel as both an honour and a heavy national responsibility. These officers are now positioned as first-level gatekeepers tasked with ensuring that funds many of which are foreign loans are effectively utilized to deliver real value to Nigerians.

Calling for the adoption of global best practices, Ogunjimi urged the officers to embrace innovative financial management strategies that promote transparency, accountability, and efficiency.
“Explore innovative solutions and share best practices aimed at ensuring transparency, accountability, and efficiency in financial management,” he said.

He further called for strategic introspection in a time of increasing scrutiny of public finance, and stressed that integrity must remain the bedrock of their work. He noted that the impact of their performance would directly affect Nigeria’s ability to meet development goals and honor international financial commitments.

Ogunjimi encouraged participants to leverage the retreat for learning, collaboration, and building relationships that support efficient project delivery.
“As you navigate the challenges and opportunities in our various projects, let us remain steadfast in our commitment to excellence,” he added.

The retreat is part of broader efforts to boost compliance with financial regulations, enhance oversight on donor-funded initiatives, and reinforce the government’s goal of translating development financing into tangible benefits for citizens.