Federal Government implements new financial discipline measures, limits ministers' imprest to N700,000
via Punch Nigeria3 min read
The Federal Government has introduced new measures to enhance financial discipline across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies, setting limits on reimbursable imprest and strengthening oversight of public funds. These directives are detailed in the 2026 Annual General Imprest Warrant, signed by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, and communicated via a Federal Treasury Circular issued by the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation. The circular, dated June 3, 2026, and signed by the Accountant-General of the Federation, Shamseldeen Ogunjimi, authorizes accounting officers across the three arms of government to approve funds for eligible imprest holders, while establishing clear spending thresholds and compliance requirements. Ministers will be entitled to a maximum reimbursable imprest of N700,000, permanent secretaries and directors-general to N500,000, directors and heads of departments to N300,000, and heads of formations in states and other authorized imprest holders to N100,000. The Office of the Accountant-General stated this move aligns with Financial Regulation 1003 and aims to ensure accountability and prudent management of public resources. The government has also restricted imprest reimbursements to normally once per quarter, not exceeding twice quarterly. Furthermore, all local procurements of stores and services costing above N1,000,000 must be made through contract awards, in accordance with existing procu
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