Senate questions AGF over unpaid contracts and budget issues
The Senate Committee on Finance has questioned Dr Shamseldeen Ogunjimi, the Accountant-General of the Federation, over zero capital allocations to many government agencies and unpaid contracts. Lawmakers voiced their frustration about poor fund releases and the growing debts owed to contractors. Senators also raised concerns about the effectiveness of the Centralised Payment System and the overall management of government finances. Dr Ogunjimi responded by blaming indiscriminate contract awards and assured the committee that efforts are underway to resolve payment system issues.
What we know
- Dr Shamseldeen Ogunjimi faced intense scrutiny from the Senate Committee on Finance during a budget defence session.
- Lawmakers, including Senator Sani Musa, Senator Danjuma Goje, and others, criticized poor budget implementation and the non-payment of contractors.
- Concerns were raised about zero capital allocations for most MDAs in the 2025 budget and the effectiveness of the Centralised Payment System.
- Senator Muntari Dandutse questioned why contractors remained unpaid despite reports that revenue agencies generated N28tn.
- Dr Ogunjimi attributed the crisis to contract awards without confirmed funding and said operational challenges with the payment system are being addressed.
