FIC Report (Benue State) – The Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation (OAGF), through the Federal Pay Office (FPO), Makurdi, has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening financial accountability, transparency and compliance in the management of public funds by Federal Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) in Benue State.
The Federal Pay Officer, Mr. Ochefu John Iduh, gave the assurance on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, during a meeting of Heads of Federal Establishments held at the Conference Hall of the Federal Pay Office, Makurdi.
Mr. Iduh explained that the sensitisation meeting was aimed at enhancing the understanding of Federal MDAs on the functions of the Federal Pay Office, particularly in the areas of cash management, financial transactions, reporting and accountability.
He said the Federal Pay Office is a sub-treasury operating under the management of the OAGF and serves as a field cash and treasury office of the Federal Government.
According to him, the office is responsible for handling local financial transactions, the custody of public funds and ensuring compliance with government accounting procedures by Federal Government establishments within its jurisdiction.
He noted that the FPO facilitates the disbursement of public funds by processing and paying approved financial claims, recurrent expenditures and other authorised financial obligations of Federal Government institutions.
On intergovernmental and inter-agency coordination, Mr. Iduh said the Federal Pay Office facilitates financial transactions between Federal MDAs and other relevant government institutions, particularly Federal establishments without direct access to the Treasury.
He further emphasised the importance of proper financial reporting and accountability, stating that the office compiles and renders monthly financial returns, Cash Book folios and bank certificates to the OAGF, while maintaining appropriate records for audit and other financial inspections by authorised oversight bodies.
Mr. Iduh also explained that the FPO ensures that the accounts of various MDAs are properly reconciled and closed at the end of each financial year, with outstanding balances identified and duly accounted for in line with extant government financial regulations.
He therefore urged Federal MDAs to comply with prescribed procedures for account closure and submit relevant reports and documentation promptly to enable the Federal Pay Office prepare accurate and comprehensive financial returns.
NSC Highlights Role in Efficient Port Operations
In a separate presentation, the Area Officer, Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), Makurdi Area Office, Mr. Ishaku Y. Tongpan, highlighted the Council’s mandate to protect and promote the interests of shippers, particularly importers and exporters involved in the movement of cargo through Nigerian ports.
Mr. Tongpan said the NSC provides a platform for addressing challenges affecting the shipment of imports and exports to and from Nigeria, while also promoting the formation of Shippers’ Associations across the country.
He explained that the Council provides a forum for consultation among stakeholders, including conference and non-conference shipping lines, the Nigerian Ports Authority and the Federal Government, on matters of common interest affecting the shipping industry.
According to him, the Council also liaises with relevant government agencies and organisations to assess the adequacy and stability of existing shipping services and makes appropriate recommendations where necessary.
He added that the NSC is empowered to negotiate and enter into agreements with conference lines and shipowners in the interest of efficient and cost-effective shipping services.
The Area Officer further disclosed that the Council promotes the development of critical transport infrastructure, including Inland Dry Ports (IDPs) and Vehicle Transit Areas (VTAs), to facilitate trade and decongest the nation’s seaports.
He said the Council had successfully supervised and monitored the implementation of Inland Dry Port projects in various parts of the country, citing the Kaduna Inland Dry Port, Dalan Inland Dry Port in Kano State and Funtua Inland Dry Port in Katsina State, among others, while noting that additional projects were in the pipeline.
Mr. Tongpan called on government to continue to provide an effective, efficient and well-regulated business environment capable of attracting private-sector investment in the nation’s port and transport infrastructure.
He stressed the need for policies that would promote economic growth, enhance ease of doing business and ensure efficiency, fairness and cost-effectiveness in port operations, in line with international trade standards.
The meeting featured an interactive question-and-answer session, during which participants sought clarification on issues raised in the presentations and received responses from the resource persons.
Bridget Udoo Tarker
For: Head of Centre
FIC Makurdi
