By Tony Obiechina, Abuja
In line with the Transparency and Open Government Policy for making public, financial information of all MDAs to promote accountability and anti-corruption campaign, the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation has inaugurated the Committee on Federal Government Financial Transparency Guidelines and Open Treasury Portal.
The Accountant-General of the Federation, Ahmed Idris stated this while the inaugurating the Committee at the Treasury House in Abuja.
AGF disclosed that the Minister of Finance and National Planning on the 4th of July, 2018 presented a memo to the Federal Executive Council (FEC) for approval to establish the Financial Transparency Guidelines and Open Treasury Portal.
“The approved Transparency Policy provides for Transparency requirements, thresholds and responsibilities as part of Government Policy on accountability in line with Freedom of Information Act 2014.
“The HMFBNP, then constituted the composition of the Quality Assurance and Compliance Committee which membership were drawn from MDAs”, Ahmed said.
According to him, the objectives of the Committee include improvement on good governance and enhance the public whistle blower policy and equip the general public with the tools to report financial wrongdoing as well as provide the guidelines for MDAs for proper financial transparency.
The Terms of Reference of the committee include to advise the minister on the enforcement action including sanctions where appropriate to ensure full compliance with the Transparency requirements; to advise on the improvement necessary in the implementation modalities; as well as review transparency reports from different stakeholders and recommend appropriate actions.
According to the AGF, the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation will provide secretariat services for the Committee, while the Committee would be free to request for information or clarifications from anyone involved in the implementation of the Transparency Policy.
The Committee will be required to report to the AGF on monthly basis and also to the Honourable Minister of through Office of the AGF.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Committee, Mr. Idris Mamman said members will demonstrate patriotism by serving well and rendering selfless service for the good of the nation Nigerians.
He assured that the Committee will perform its duty with diligence and without fear or favour.
