By Faith Adama
The Accountant General of the Federation (AGF), Mrs. Oluwatoyin Madein, has called for a holistic approach to transparency and accountability, emphasizing reforms that extend beyond financial management to encompass all aspects of governance.
Speaking at the 2024 National Council on Finance and Economic Development (NACOFED) in Bauchi State, Madein underscored the urgency of implementing robust systems to safeguard public resources, including human capital and infrastructure.
“Transparency cannot be limited to financial oversight alone,” Madein stated. She stressed that effective governance requires accountability across the board—covering human resources, material assets, supply chains, and infrastructure management.
This, she argued, is essential to prevent inefficiencies, resource mismanagement, and the erosion of public trust.
The AGF highlighted the need for systemic control mechanisms that address all facets of public administration.
Poor oversight, she warned, often leads to disorganized governance and wasted resources, ultimately undermining development efforts.
To combat this, she advocated for policies that integrate fiscal discipline with sound management of both financial and non-financial resources.
Madein also championed capacity building within the public sector, emphasizing the importance of continuous training to equip government employees with the skills needed for effective resource management.
She linked this to the broader goal of fostering a culture of transparency and accountability throughout public institutions.
On fiscal policy, the AGF advised governments at all levels to adopt a culture of savings and fiscal discipline, particularly during periods of economic prosperity.
This forward-thinking strategy, she noted, is key to preparing for future uncertainties and ensuring long-term stability.
Her remarks come at a critical time, following the November Federation Accounts Allocation Committee (FAAC) meeting, where ₦1.411 trillion was distributed among the country’s three tiers of government.
Madein’s call to action underscores the importance of judiciously managing these funds to promote sustainable development and economic resilience.
In her closing remarks, Madein envisioned a governance framework where transparency and accountability are deeply embedded across all sectors, ensuring public resources are effectively utilized for the benefit of current and future generations.
Her advocacy sets the stage for a more disciplined, transparent, and resilient Nigeria.
