Connect with us

Analysis

FG seeks new accountant general, sets exams and interviews

DDM News

Published

on

The Federal Government has commenced the process of appointing a new Accountant General of the Federation, setting up a recruitment process that includes written exams and oral interviews.

Diaspora digital media (DDM) revailed that this development arises following the controversial tenure extension of the current Accountant General, Dr. Oluwatoyin Madein, who was initially expected to retire but had her term extended until March 7, 2025.

The situation surrounding Dr. Madein’s reinstatement and its impact on Babatunde Ogunjimi, the acting Accountant General at the time, forms the backdrop of this selection process.

Dr. Madein had begun her pre-retirement leave in December 2024, paving the way for the appointment of Babatunde Ogunjimi as the acting Accountant General.

However, her leave was cut short when a directive from the Head of Service of the Federation reinstated her to the role of Accountant General, allowing her to continue overseeing treasury operations until her extended retirement date.

This decision caused significant discussions within the civil service, as it raised questions about the necessity of pre-retirement leave and its implications for Ogunjimi, who was subsequently reassigned to the Public Service Institute of Nigeria as Director of Accounts.

The Federal Government’s announcement of the recruitment process for a new Accountant General is seen as a move to ensure stability in managing the nation’s treasury.

A memo dated January 24, 2025, from the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation outlined the timeline and procedure for selecting the next Accountant General.

The memo, signed by Fatima Mahmoud, the Permanent Secretary of the Career Management Office, was addressed to key offices, including the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Chief of Staff to the President, ministers, and heads of ministries, departments, and agencies.

See also  Resisting the Temptation of Personality Cults in Politics

According to the memo, the process begins with the accreditation of eligible candidates for the position of Accountant General, scheduled to run from January 28 to February 1, 2025.

Following the accreditation, a series of evaluations will be conducted to assess the suitability of candidates for the critical role of managing the country’s treasury.

The first stage of the process is a written examination, divided into two parts.

The initial written test, scheduled for February 10, 2025, is for candidates from the North-West Zone and Oyo State.

The second phase of the written examination, taking place on February 11, 2025, is designed for Directors of Accounts who are in the pool of the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation.

These two stages aim to streamline the selection process by identifying candidates with the technical and professional expertise required for the role of Accountant General.

Subsequent stages of the evaluation process will include computer-based tests on February 12 and 13, 2025, ensuring that candidates demonstrate proficiency in digital financial management tools and systems.

The process will culminate in oral interviews, scheduled for February 14, 2025, where candidates will present their visions and strategies for effectively managing the nation’s treasury.

The emphasis on transparency and merit in the recruitment process is particularly significant, given the controversy surrounding the tenure of Dr. Madein.

Her reinstatement as Accountant General, despite having proceeded on pre-retirement leave, sparked debates among civil servants and stakeholders.

Many questioned whether the decision undermined established civil service regulations, which typically view terminal leave as a prelude to retirement.

See also  How to reclaim rights and dignity of prisoners in Nigeria, by Balikis Anoba

However, spokesperson Bawa Mokwa from the Office of the Accountant General clarified that terminal leave is optional under civil service rules, suggesting that Dr. Madein’s return was within the legal framework.

This clarification did little to quell the concerns of some staff members, who expressed uncertainty about the implications of the reinstatement on the interim appointment of Ogunjimi as acting Accountant General.

Ogunjimi’s reassignment to the Public Service Institute of Nigeria further fueled speculation about whether his brief tenure as acting Accountant General was merely symbolic or indicative of a larger administrative challenge within the civil service.

The new recruitment process is expected to address these concerns by selecting a permanent Accountant General who will assume full responsibility for managing the Federal Government’s financial operations.

The position is one of immense importance, as the Accountant General oversees the preparation and maintenance of government accounts, ensures compliance with financial regulations, and manages the allocation of funds to various ministries and agencies.

The controversy surrounding the office of the Accountant General highlights the need for a transparent and robust selection process to restore confidence in the nation’s treasury management.

With the recruitment process now underway, eligible candidates are expected to demonstrate not only their technical competence but also their ability to uphold the integrity and accountability required for the role.

Dr. Madein’s tenure, despite its challenges, has underscored the complexities involved in managing the nation’s finances.

Her decision to return from pre-retirement leave to oversee treasury operations until her extended retirement date reflects the critical nature of the role of Accountant General.

See also  Five States declare public holiday as Isese Day holds in Yoruba Land 

As the Federal Government seeks her successor, it is evident that the position requires a professional with the expertise, vision, and ethical standards necessary to navigate the intricacies of public financial management.

The recruitment process for a new Accountant General marks a pivotal moment in the Federal Government’s efforts to strengthen its financial management framework.

By implementing a structured and competitive selection process, the government aims to ensure that the next Accountant General possesses the qualifications and experience needed to address the nation’s fiscal challenges effectively.

As candidates prepare for the accreditation, written exams, computer-based tests, and oral interviews, the focus remains on identifying the most suitable individual to assume the mantle of Accountant General.

The outcome of this process will have far-reaching implications for the Federal Government’s ability to maintain fiscal discipline, enhance transparency, and achieve its economic objectives.

In conclusion, the search for a new Accountant General represents a significant step in the Federal Government’s commitment to reforming its financial management systems.

The controversies surrounding Dr. Madein’s tenure and Ogunjimi’s brief appointment as acting Accountant General serve as a backdrop to the current recruitment process, highlighting the importance of transparency and merit in selecting the nation’s chief financial officer.

As the process unfolds, all eyes will be on the Federal Government to ensure that the next Accountant General embodies the values of professionalism, accountability, and integrity.


For Diaspora Digital Media Updates click on Whatsapp, or Telegram. For eyewitness accounts/ reports/ articles, write to: citizenreports@diasporadigitalmedia.com. Follow us on X (Fomerly Twitter) or Facebook

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Latest from DDM TV

Latest Updates

Stop wasting your worth: Go where you’re appreciated!

Mikel Merino fires Arsenal to victory and dedicates goals to wife

Obidient movement declares war on corrupt politics, vows to take over Nigeria

Valentine’s day tragedy: Cement truck loses control, kills 20 in Nnewi

Nigerian govt to absorb 28,000 health workers affected by USAID funding freeze

Lassa fever outbreak: NCDC confirms 70 deaths, 358 cases across 10 states

Orashi Project: Emulate Owerri, Port-Harcourt, Lagos, Abuja; Opiah tells Community Leaders in Imo

Controversial spiritualist Onye Eze Jesus arrested

Canada’s ties with Nigeria remain strong despite visa denial – Shehu Sani

Boko Haram/ISWAP attack Nigerian Army base, kill 3 soldiers, steal gun trucks

Subscribe to DDM Newsletter for Latest News

Get Notifications from DDM News Yes please No thanks