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The Federal Government has cautioned project accountants and financial officers to prioritize care and integrity when handling funds for federal projects, particularly those obtained through external borrowing.
The Accountant-General of the Federation, Shamsudeen Ogunjimi, expressed this warning during the 2025 retreat of the Federal Projects Financial Management Department, which took place in Abuja on Thursday.
Represented by the Director of Finance and Accounts, Akuagwu Chucks, Ogunjimi emphasized that the funds under their management are not only public but also borrowed, necessitating a strong sense of responsibility.
"You must understand that you are entrusted with not just public funds, but also borrowed money that needs to be repaid, either in our time or that of future generations."
Ogunjimi highlighted the privilege of being selected as the first gatekeepers of significant public funds, as represented by over forty donor-funded projects.
He remarked that the retreat underscores the commitment of the Accountant-General's Office to improve financial management of federal projects and encouraged officers to utilize the platform for reflection, collaboration, and strategic planning.
He urged everyone to be guided by a unified vision to enhance the financial stewardship of the nation’s resources, stressing the increasing complexity and scrutiny of public finance that makes their roles increasingly essential.
"I encourage each of you to engage in discussions, share perspectives, and learn from one another. Let’s make the most of this opportunity to not only improve our skills but also to build relationships that will support us in achieving our various project development objectives," he added.
In his comments, the Director of the FPFMD, Joshua Luke, commended the Accountant-General for backing the retreat and acknowledging its importance, stating that knowledge and training are vital in financial management.
"Our responsibilities as project accountants are driven by knowledge, which is why retreats like this are crucial," he noted. Luke expressed confidence in the retreat’s outcomes, believing participants would return better prepared to fulfill their duties to the projects, their ministries, departments, agencies, and the nation at large.
The retreat gathered project accountants, internal auditors, donor agency representatives, and other important stakeholders to discuss reforms, share best practices, and enhance financial stewardship across federal projects.
