The Accountant General of the Federation, Dr. Oluwatoyin Madein, has called for the institutionalization of transparency and accountability in all aspects of governance. Speaking at the 2024 National Council on Finance and Economic Development (NACOFED) in Bauchi State, she emphasized that accountability must extend beyond finances to encompass all resources, including human capital and infrastructure.
“Transparency isn’t just about finances. Even the storekeeper and those managing the kitchen must be accountable. Everything that can be used indiscriminately must be managed transparently,” she stated. Dr. Madein warned against focusing solely on financial controls while neglecting other assets, urging the implementation of robust control mechanisms across the board.
Highlighting the importance of responsible asset management, she stressed that public officials must account for assets acquired with public funds. “When funds are released for government assets, those handling them must ensure accountability,” she added.
Dr. Madein also underscored the importance of continuous capacity building and staff motivation in achieving effective governance. She urged federal, state, and local governments to prioritize fiscal discipline by adopting savings and investment strategies to safeguard resources for unforeseen challenges.
“Saving during times of abundance is crucial. Governments must cultivate a habit of saving to prepare for adverse situations,” she advised.
The AGF’s address underscores a holistic approach to governance, advocating for transparency at all levels to ensure sustainable management of national resources.
