AGF urges transparency, accountability in governance

From David Hassan, Gombe

The Accountant General of the Federation (AGF), Mrs Oluwatoyin Madein, has called for transparency and accountability to be entrenched across all tiers and aspects of governance in Nigeria.
This was disclosed in a statement issued by Mr Bawa Mokwa, Director of Press and Public Relations at the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation (OAGF).
Madein spoke at the 2024 National Council on Finance and Economic Development (NACOFED) in Bauchi.
According to her, transparency and accountability must extend beyond finances to include other resources, such as human and material assets.
“Transparency does not end with finances; it extends even to the storekeeper and those managing the kitchen,” she said.
She emphasised the need to account for infrastructure and other resources, stating, “Everything that can be used indiscriminately must be properly accounted for in a transparent manner”.
Madein warned that restricting transparency and accountability solely to financial management would result in a haphazard system.
“We need to build serious control measures around our assets,” she added, stressing that public officials must account for assets procured with public funds.
She also noted the importance of continuous capacity building and workforce motivation, describing them as essential for ensuring effective management of public assets.
Madein advised governments to adopt fiscal discipline and appropriate control measures while fostering a culture of savings and viable investments.
“When funds are released to increase government assets, those assets must be accounted for by those handling them.
“Savings is good, and saving during times of plenty is advisable. Governments at all levels should save so they can have something to fall back on in adverse situations”.(NAN)