The Nation Newspaper

Tag: OAGF

  • FIRS, OAGF to curb revenue leakages from MDAs

    FIRS, OAGF to curb revenue leakages from MDAs

    The Federal Government has expressed concern over persistent revenue losses traced to lapses in tax compliance by Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).

    These lapses in tax compliance have been particularly identified in the areas of withholding tax deductions, Value Added Tax (VAT) remittances, and stamp duty administration.

    Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Dr. Zacch Adedeji, made this disclosure during the FIRS–Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation (OAGF) Stakeholders’ Engagement held in Abuja.

    He noted that despite the deployment of sophisticated platforms like the Government Integrated Financial Management Information System (GIFMIS) and the FIRS’ own TaxPro MAX system, MDAs are still defaulting in remitting taxes as required by law.

    “These gaps, many of which stem from technical constraints and a lack of understanding of tax compliance obligations, continue to result in significant revenue leakages and recurring audit findings,” Dr Adedeji said.

    He stated that when public institutions comply with tax laws, it sends a strong message to the private sector and the wider public that no one is above the law.

    Read Also: Johnnie Walker launches AfroExchange with send-off for Creatives 

    “Our credibility as public institutions is judged first by how well we comply with tax laws ourselves. If we are serious about raising the revenue needed to meet our national development goals, then the public sector must lead by example,” he said.

    The FIRS Executive Chairman pointed to the OAGF as a critical partner in reversing this trend, due to its responsibility for financial controls and disbursements across the public sector.

    According to him, forging a stronger partnership between both institutions is essential to improving Nigeria’s revenue generation performance.

    Dr. Adedeji described the two-day stakeholder workshop as a strategic step toward identifying and correcting systemic shortcomings in tax administration. The event provided a platform for both institutions to explore ways of improving compliance, increasing efficiency, and reinforcing the role of technology in revenue collection.

     “This is more than just a knowledge-sharing session. It is a collaborative platform to co-design solutions that will close the existing gaps and promote a smarter, more technology-driven compliance culture in Nigeria,” he explained.

    During the two-day session, participants from the FIRS and OAGF examined a range of issues including the FIRS 2025 Strategic Roadmap, detailed technical discussions on VAT, withholding tax, and stamp duties, and strategies for closing remittance gaps using GIFMIS. The engagement also featured panel discussions focused on institutional collaboration, system inefficiencies, and cultural reorientation needed to promote sustainable tax compliance.

    One of the key highlights of the engagement was the emphasis on the TaxPro MAX platform, which supports real-time remittance tracking and enhances data reconciliation between MDAs and the FIRS. This innovation is expected to serve as a cornerstone for tightening compliance and reducing human errors and procedural oversights in tax administration.

    Looking ahead, the FIRS Chairman listed several follow-up actions that will determine the success of the initiative. These include: Strengthening institutional collaboration between FIRS and OAGF; Creating structured reporting and escalation channels for lapses in tax remittances; Introducing tax compliance modules into the internal training curriculum for public finance officers; Establishing feedback systems to ensure that GIFMIS and TaxPro MAX are continuously improved to meet the needs of both institutions.

    On his part, the Accountant-General of the Federation described taxation as the lifeblood of any economy and stressed that improving tax compliance in Nigeria is not merely a fiscal goal but a national necessity. He said greater use of technology, increased accountability, and a culture of transparency would go a long way in boosting compliance levels and revenue collection.

    “This engagement presents a valuable opportunity to align the strategies of the FIRS and OAGF, and jointly address challenges standing in the way of optimal tax collection and remittance,” the Accountant-General stated.

    He noted that the synergy between both institutions would also contribute meaningfully to President Bola Tinubu’s ambition of achieving a $1 trillion economy by 2030.

    “In working together, we can build a more effective tax system that supports Nigeria’s economic ambitions and helps deliver the dividends of good governance,” he concluded.

  • FIRS, OAGF move to curb revenue leakages from MDAs’ tax non-compliance

    FIRS, OAGF move to curb revenue leakages from MDAs’ tax non-compliance

    The federal government has expressed concern over persistent revenue losses traced to lapses in tax compliance by Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).

    These lapses in tax compliance have been particularly identified in the areas of withholding tax deductions, Value Added Tax (VAT) remittances, and stamp duty administration.

    Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Dr. Zacch Adedeji, made this disclosure during the FIRS–Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation (OAGF) Stakeholders’ Engagement held in Abuja.

    He noted that despite the deployment of sophisticated platforms like the Government Integrated Financial Management Information System (GIFMIS) and the FIRS’ own TaxPro MAX system, MDAs are still defaulting in remitting taxes as required by law.

    “These gaps,” Adedeji said, “many of which stem from technical constraints and a lack of understanding of tax compliance obligations, continue to result in significant revenue leakages and recurring audit findings.”

    He stated that when public institutions comply with tax laws, it sends a strong message to the private sector and the wider public that no one is above the law. “Our credibility as public institutions is judged first by how well we comply with tax laws ourselves. If we are serious about raising the revenue needed to meet our national development goals, then the public sector must lead by example,” he said.

    The FIRS Executive Chairman highlighted the OAGF as a critical partner in reversing this trend, given its responsibility for financial controls and disbursements across the public sector. According to him, forging a stronger partnership between both institutions is essential to improving Nigeria’s revenue generation performance.

    Dr. Adedeji described the two-day stakeholder workshop as a strategic step toward identifying and correcting systemic shortcomings in tax administration.

    The event provided a platform for both institutions to explore ways to improve compliance, increase efficiency, and reinforce the role of technology in revenue collection.

    “This is more than just a knowledge-sharing session. It is a collaborative platform to co-design solutions that will close the existing gaps and promote a smarter, more technology-driven compliance culture in Nigeria,” he explained.

    During the two-day session, participants from the FIRS and OAGF examined a range of issues, including the FIRS 2025 Strategic Roadmap, detailed technical discussions on VAT, withholding tax, and stamp duties, and strategies for closing remittance gaps using GIFMIS. The engagement also featured panel discussions focused on institutional collaboration, system inefficiencies, and cultural reorientation needed to promote sustainable tax compliance.

    One of the key highlights of the engagement was the emphasis on the TaxPro MAX platform, which supports real-time remittance tracking and enhances data reconciliation between MDAs and the FIRS. This innovation is expected to serve as a cornerstone for tightening compliance and reducing human errors and procedural oversights in tax administration.

    Looking ahead, the FIRS Chairman listed several follow-up actions that will determine the success of the initiative. These include: Strengthening institutional collaboration between FIRS and OAGF, creating structured reporting and escalation channels for lapses in tax remittances; Introducing tax compliance modules into the internal training curriculum for public finance officers; and Establishing feedback systems to ensure that GIFMIS and TaxPro MAX are continuously improved to meet the needs of both institutions.

    Read Also: Adekunle Gold rewards first-class students

    On his part, the Accountant-General of the Federation described taxation as the lifeblood of any economy and stressed that improving tax compliance in Nigeria is not merely a fiscal goal but a national necessity. He said greater use of technology, increased accountability, and a culture of transparency would go a long way in boosting compliance levels and revenue collection.

    “This engagement presents a valuable opportunity to align the strategies of the FIRS and OAGF, and jointly address challenges standing in the way of optimal tax collection and remittance,” the Accountant-General stated.

    He noted that the synergy between both institutions would also contribute meaningfully to President Bola Tinubu’s ambition of achieving a $1 trillion economy by 2030.

    “In working together, we can build a more effective tax system that supports Nigeria’s economic ambitions and helps deliver the dividends of good governance,” he concluded.

  • OAGF blames network glitch for June salary delays, assures quick resolution

    OAGF blames network glitch for June salary delays, assures quick resolution

    The Office of the Accountant General of the Federation (OAGF) has attributed the delay in the payment of June 2025 salaries to some federal government workers to a technical network glitch experienced during salary processing, particularly affecting accounts domiciled with Zenith Bank Plc.

    In a statement issued on Friday by Mr. Bawa Mokwa, Director (Press and Public Relations), the OAGF acknowledged recent complaints by employees across various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) who have yet to receive their June salaries.

    “The OAGF is currently working closely with the relevant service providers and stakeholders to ensure that the failed payments are reprocessed without further delay,” Mokwa said. “We appeal to all affected staff of the Federal Public Service to remain calm and rest assured that no effort will be spared in ensuring everyone receives their rightful salaries.”

    The statement further noted that the OAGF understands the anxiety and frustration caused by the delayed payments, especially considering the impact of timely salaries on the daily lives of public servants. 

    Read Also: Federal workers received correct salaries in January, February, says OAGF

    According to the OAGF, concrete steps have already been taken to identify the root cause of the problem, and arrangements are underway to reprocess the failed transactions as soon as possible.

    “The welfare of Federal Government employees remains a top priority of the Office,” the statement added. “We deeply regret the inconvenience this unfortunate incident has caused and wish to assure all affected employees that immediate steps have been taken to resolve the issue.”

    Reiterating its commitment to accountability and efficient service delivery, the OAGF assured that it remains open to continuous engagement with stakeholders to sustain improvements in payroll operations.

    “Your patience and understanding during this difficult time are highly appreciated,” Mokwa concluded.

  • No conflict with OAGF – EFCC

    No conflict with OAGF – EFCC

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) said on Thursday there is no existing or impending face-off between it and the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice.

    The EFCC spokesman, Mr. Wilson Uwujaren, stated this in a statement in Abuja.

    He said media reports suggesting there was conflict between both parties were the handiwork of “some unscrupulous persons.’’

    The EFCC and other anti-graft agencies were reported to have turned down a demand by the AGF, Abubakar Malami, for case files of ex-governors and senators under investigation.

    The reports had suggested that the “crisis of confidence’’ between the AGF and the anti-graft agencies, particularly the EFCC, would undermine the anti-corruption war of the current administration.

    Uwujaren said the reports emanated from the imaginations of “corrupt elements, angling to knock heads together in furtherance of their own pro-corruption agenda.’’

    He said: “For the avoidance of any doubt, the EFCC wishes to categorically state that it is compliant with all provisions of law, and has no intention to stoke misunderstanding over requests from the Office of the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice.

    “Furthermore, the commission’s mandate, operational philosophy, the conduct and pronouncements of its officials, do not countenance any activity on the fringes of the law.

    “It is, therefore, untenable for there to be any suggestion that the EFCC or the commission’s principal officials are either in conflict with or readying for ‘showdown’ with the AGF or other officials of government.

    “Any such conflicts being paraded in the media exist only in the apparently fertile imaginations of corrupt elements, angling to knock heads together in furtherance of their own pro-corruption agenda.

    “All the brouhaha raised in recent days over a non-existent conflict between the EFCC and the office of the AGF, only go to underline the fact that corruption can, and is fighting back, in a variety of ways.’’

    NAN

  • Justice Ngwuta failed to declare plots of land, cars – FG

    Justice Ngwuta failed to declare plots of land, cars – FG

    The Office of the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) has accused Justice Sylvester Ngwuta of the Supreme Court of possessing 28 plots of land which he allegedly refused to declare to the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) between June 2, 2011 and July 19, 2016.

    The office alleged that Justice Ngwuta, within the same period engaged in the purchase and sale of rice, palm oil and other related products, while being a justice of the Supreme Court.

    He is also own five cars which he allegedly kept away from the CCB.

    These allegations are contained in a 10-count charge the office of the AGF filed against the Justice of the Supreme Court before the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT).

    Justice Ngwuta will be be arraigned on April 20.

    A similar charge of two counts has also been filed before the CCT against Justice Adeniyi Ademola of the Federal High Court.

    Justice Ademola was accused of trading in foreign exchange among other charges.

     

  • Why FG lost fraud cases in court – OAGF

    The Office of the Accountant General of the Federation (OAGF) on Wednesday said many fraud cases filed by the Federal Government were lost because of poor packaging of reports by auditors or investigators.

    The Director of Audit Monitoring, OAGF, Hakeem A. Dosunmu, stated this at the Forensic Auditing and Investigative workshop, organised by the OAGF and the Association of the Forensic and Investigative Auditors in Nigeria.

    Dosunmu said this poor packaging of audit reports particularly involving fraud cases necessitated the capacity building for auditors on forensic audit.

    He said, “Nigeria will not afford to be left behind in forensic auditing as it becomes the new trend globally.”

    Also speaking at the workshop, the Accountant-General of the Federation, Mr. Ahmed Idris, charged the auditors in the office as well as Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to be proactive and ensure that no mismanagement or fraud escape while doing their work.”

    He warned that henceforth, auditors will be held accountable for any case of fraud unreported by them at the various MDAs.

     

  • TSA hits N2.3tr as 98% of MDAs complies

    TSA hits N2.3tr as 98% of MDAs complies

    • Fed Govt, IMF urge states to adopt TSA system

    The Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation (OAGF), yesterday said it has mopped up N2.3 trillion  into the Treasury Single Account (TSA).

    Its Director of Funds, Mr. Mohammed Dikwa, disclosed this at the opening session of the workshop on TSA in Abuja.

    He said with over  17,000 bank accounts being operated at the federal level in commercial banks, government had no choice but to introduce the TSA which has so far helped in mopping up about N2.3trillion into the various accounts maintained and operated at the  Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

    In similar vein, the Accountant-General of the Federation (AGF), Mr.Alhaji Ahmed Idris, said 98 per cent of the Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) have complied with the TSA.

    He said following government’s February last year directive, all federal MDAs are now on TSA operating their account successfully through the CBN.

    Idris said: “As at December 2015, 726 MDAs, which are responsible for almost 98 per cent of the national budget have complied fully.”

    According to him, the challenges encountered in the adoption of the TSA were entrenched resistance from banks and the MDAs, which the Federal Government has now overcome.

    With the massive compliance, the AGF noted, the new challenge is that of capacity building , and the application of information technology (IT).

    In her opening remarks, the Minister of Finance, Kemi Adeosun, who was represented by Mr. Adeseye Shefuye said the  balance, which changes daily as MDAs remit revenues and make payments, according to the latest reports from CBN exceeded N2.2 Trillion.

    She said: “I can report that work is now ongoing within the Treasury, to determine how much of these funds can potentially be utilised to part fund the 2016 budget and how much relates to pending commitments. This, of course, will reduce the amount to be borrowed.”

    TSA, she said,  has provided government with financial information on the revenues of agencies funded by government and has reduced revenue suppression.

    She noted that the information is being used to drive government’s programme to enforce compliance with the Fiscal Responsibility Act and ensure that revenue generating agencies generate expected surpluses and remit to the Federation Account.

    Mrs Adeosun said: “TSA has eliminated opportunities for brokerage and other corrupt practices that previously encouraged agencies to accumulate funds with commercial banks rather than apply them to their intended uses.

  • AGF protests splitting of office

    AGF protests splitting of office

    The Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation (OAGF) has protested plans to split its office into two.

    Its opposition is contianed in a memo it sent to the National Conference.

    The Accountant-General of the Federation (AGF), Mr. Jonah Otunla, warned in the memo that splitting would defeat the government’s efforts at cutting costs.

    He said: “If the call for the splitting of the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation is upheld, the good intention of the government to reduce overhead costs in favour of capital cost will be defeated.

    “This will also lead to unnecessary polarisation of the agencies of government.

    “Already, the government is grappling with how to cut down on over bloated size and numbers of government agencies. The government’s overhead cost is not sustainable in view of the urgent need for capital development.”

    He urged the National Conference Committee to note: “The concerns and fears that may inform the calls for the creation of two offices of Accountants-General at the centre have been addressed by checks and balances, control mechanisms and institutional regulatory frameworks, which are already in place through establishment of institutional frameworks.

    “Creating two Offices of Accountant-General at the centre will obviously lead to unnecessary duplication of functions with the consequences of increasing overhead costs, creating conflicts and confusion in the administration and management of financial resources.

    “The creation of two separate offices will be at variance with international best practice which is against duplication of treasury activities.”

    According to him,  the government integrated Financial Management Information System (GIFMIS) is fully operational and it is geared towards greater accountability and transparency in the management of the treasury and other financial institutions at the centre.

    He added that there are clearly defined allocation principles and formulae approved by the National Assembly for distribution of revenue among the three tiers of government with clear indices and parameters for sharing revenues horizontally among states and local governments.

    Otunla said: “The establishment of the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federal Government would create precedence for eventual demands for the creation of such other offices in the country and this will further increase the cost of governance.

    “Approve the strengthening of the current single structure of the Office of Accountant-General of the Federation to ensure better efficiency and cost effectiveness by formally recognising the office and its roles in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

    “The Office of the Accountant-General of the states should equally be strengthening and recognised in the Constitution.

    For emphasis, Otunla stated that “the adoption of International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) and other Public Financial Management Reforms by Nigeria has made the country to conform to International best practices in Public Financial Management. The IPSAS Board emphasises the centralisation of treasury activities in all member countries”.

     

     

     

    Therefore, the planned fragmentation of the country’s Treasury he said “will be unconventional and at variance with international Best Practice. Indeed such structure has no parallel in any Federating nations. In India, South Africa, Australia, United States of America and Canada that practice the Federal System, there is only one Treasury and one Accountant-General at the Centre.”

    The AGF added that the Finance (Control and Management) Act 1958 as amended has already separated the Office of the Minister of the Finance from the OAGF, which “provides the opportunity for the OAGF to be further strengthened and made near-autonomous enough to perform all the functions that may be required by all relevant stakeholders.”

    Splitting the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation into two offices Otunla told the National Conference Committee “will lay a bad precedence, which may open a floodgate for demands for the splitting of similar offices and the establishment of such offices as;

     

    ·Auditor-General for the Federal Government

     

    ·Attorney-General of the Federal Government

     

    ·Surveyor-General of the Federal Government

     

    ·Statistician-General of the Federal Government and

     

    ·Secretary to the Federal Government

  • Union chief hails Accountant-General for workers’ welfare

    The National Vice Chairman of the Association of Senior Civil Servant of Nigeria (ASCN), Bola Audu, has said the cordial industrial relation between the management and workers of the Office of Accountant General of the Federation, OAGF, is made possible by the leadership style of Mr. Jonas Otunla, the Accountant-General of the Federation (AGF).

    Audu said that the peaceful industrial relation in OAGF is made possible by unparallel and numerous welfare packages from the AGF to the workers which have been a benchmark for various ministries and parastatals.

    “I think every other federal ministries should emulate what is happening at OAGF, which is made possible by Mr. Otunla. Our workers have enjoyed a lot under the administration of Mr. Otunla since he resumed office, and I believe this will be a motivation for the workers to deliver their best. I also want to commend the management team for their support to the AGF,” said Audu at a forum to mark the Workers’ Day at OAGF put together by the Nigeria Civil Service Union, NCSU, Federal Branch, OAGF Unit headed by Comrade Orisamuyiwa Oladele.