NEWMAP-EIB Team participates in One Day Retreat to Enhance Financial Management
NEWMAP -EIB Team participates in One-Day Retreat to Enhance Financial Management The NEWMAP-EIB Financial Management Team in the FPMU led by NEWMAP-EIB Financial Management Specialist, Naomi Susan Abah on Thursday, 24th July 2025 participated in a one day retreat organized by the Federal Projects Financial Management Department of the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation for Financial Management officers in Donor funded projects in the Federation. Addressing the officers in Abuja at the retreat of the Federal Projects Financial Management Department (FPFMD), the Accountant-General of the Federation (AGF), Shamsudeen Babatunde Ogunjimi, said the officers have been entrusted with the responsibility of safeguarding both public and borrowed funds, which must be managed with utmost accountability. Represented by Mr. Akuagwu Raphael Chucks, Director Finance and Administration in the Office of the Accountant General (OAGF), Ogunjimi reminded the participants that the funds in their custody include borrowed resources that must eventually be repaid, either by the present generation or by the next. According to him, their role in donor-funded projects is vital to national development and requires unwavering commitment to transparency and value delivery. The Accountant-General urged the officers to consider the retreat as an opportunity for collective introspection, knowledge sharing, and strategic thinking on how to improve financial management across federal projects. He called on them to embrace innovation and adopt global best practices in order to enhance transparency, accountability, and efficiency in the use of donor and public funds. “Explore innovative solutions and share best practices aimed at ensuring transparency, accountability and efficiency in the financial management of Federal Projects,” Ogunjimi said. He stressed the need for a united vision focused on improving the financial oversight of public resources, particularly in a time of increasing scrutiny and complexity in public finance. He said the era demands a higher level of responsibility from public finance managers. He also urged them to build professional relationships that will enable collaboration and effective implementation of their respective Project Development Objectives (PDOs). “As you navigate the challenges and opportunities in our various projects, let us remain steadfast in our commitment to excellence, knowing the OAGF is solidly behind you. Together we will pave the way for innovative financial management practices that will positively impact our nation’s development,” Ogunjimi stated. The retreat is expected to provide the officers with an avenue to strengthen their skills, improve compliance with financial guidelines, and reinforce the government’s goal of ensuring that donor-funded and federally-managed projects yield tangible benefits for the Nigerian people.
