The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs (FMSDIGA), Dr. Onwusoro Maduka Ihemelandu, on Tuesday, 13th May 2025, paid a courtesy visit to the Accountant General of the Federation, Mr. Shamsudeen Babatunde, at the Treasury House, Abuja.
The visit was aimed at fostering stronger inter-agency collaboration and enhancing transparency and accountability in the implementation of Zonal Intervention and Constituency Projects (ZIP/CP).
During the visit, Dr. Ihemelandu presented a newly issued circular from the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, dated 20th September, 2023 to the Accountant General, which outlines revised guidelines on the implementation of ZIP/CP.
According to the Permanent Secretary, the revised guidelines state that all ZIP/CP must be duly certified and approved by the Federal Ministry of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs before any payments are made to contractors. This, he said, is to ensure that projects are executed to standard and to guarantee value for money in government expenditure.
He emphasized that the Ministry has put in place robust mechanisms to verify and validate all projects under its purview before certification is granted. He further stressed that the directive is in alignment with the principles of accountability, transparency, and good governance. Dr. Ihemelandu called on the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation to support the Ministry’s efforts by ensuring full compliance with the revised guidelines and incorporating them into payment protocols.
Dr. Ihemelandu concluded by expressing the Ministry’s readiness to work closely with the Office of the Accountant General to enhance project delivery and ensure that funds released for ZIP/CP are judiciously utilized for the benefit of the citizens.In his response, the
Accountant General of the Federation, Mr. Shamsudeen Babatunde, commended the Permanent Secretary for the timely initiative and assured him of his office’s full cooperation. He stated that the circular presented will be strictly adhered to and will serve as a prerequisite document for processing all payments related to ZIP/CP.Mr.
Babatunde further pledged to collaborate with the Ministry by ensuring that the contents of the circular are communicated to all relevant stakeholders.
He also requested that the Ministry provide a resource person to enlighten stakeholders on the importance of project certification and approval by FMSDIGA before payment.
He noted that all subsequent circulars issued by the Office of the Accountant General in relation to capital projects and ZIP/CP will include a dedicated paragraph emphasizing strict adherence to this directive.
Signed
Maryam Mohammed
Head, Press and Public Relations Unit
May 13, 2025
