Once in a while, the federal government would get it right when it comes to the appointment of certain persons to head government agencies. This exactly what the emergence of Shamseldeen B. Ogunjimi as the Accountant General of the Federation exemplifies, if the achievement he has made in less than five months in office is anything to go by, write the Group Business Editor of Presidentstrides Magazine, Ayo Ekundayo. Excerpt.

To say that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s appointment of Mr Shamseldeen B. Ogunjimi as the Accountant General of the Federation marked a redefining era for Nigeria is to state the obvious.

It must be unequivocally stated that President Tinubu’s decision to appoint Ogunjimi was not only timely but was visionary, strategic, and deeply patriotic.

Mr Ogunjimi’s extensive experience, both in Nigeria’s public service and the private sector, positions him as a key figure in driving fiscal reforms and ensuring transparency in government finance.

This is given the pivotal turning point in institutional leadership, reform, and national development he has brought to bear within less than five months he has been there.

Ogunjimi’s journey, to the position of highest accounting office can be described as testament to commitment, vision, and decades of sterling service.

After graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in Accountancy from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, in 1990, later earning Master’s degrees in Accounting and Finance from the University of Lagos, he crowned it will PhD in Accounting obtained in Nasarawa State University, Keffi.

Mr Ogunjimi is a fellow of several institutions, including the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria and the Institute of Financial Accountants in the United Kingdom.

He also holds memberships with global bodies such as the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy UK and the Institute of Public Accountants Australia.

His training includes executive programmes at Harvard Business School, where he studied finance and leadership, and the London Business School, where he enhanced his skills in negotiation and influence.

Mr Ogunjimi, epitomises the blend of intellectual depth and operational insight demanded by contemporary public service

Having joined the treasury House over two decades ago, Ogunjimi’s rise through the ranks had been methodical and distinguished.

The choice of Ogunjimi by President Tinubu demonstrated rare courage and discernment, placing performance and pedigree above bureaucracy.

In doing so, he gifted the nation a reformer at the peak of his capacity, a man whose brilliance and results have since vindicated that decision given the innovations and reforms already on record at the treasury house.

The choice made by President Tinubu was rewarded recently as Mr. Ogunjimi, has been elected as the Deputy Chairperson of the Executive Committee of the African Association of Accountants General AAAG. The election took place during the Association’s Annual General Meeting AGM, held on July 28, 2025, in Accra, Ghana. The event was attended by Accountants General from AAAG Member States.

The AAAG is a Pan-African body comprising the Offices of the Accountants General from across the continent. Currently representing 22 member countries, the Association is mandated to promote leadership and excellence in Public Financial Management PFM through sound accounting practices and transparent reporting systems.

Established in July 2023 under the guidance of the African Union Commission, the AAAG aims to introduce continental perspectives to PFM reforms in Africa. It seeks to improve accountability, enhance transparency, and strengthen the effective management of public finances across the continent.

Nigeria’s election to this high-ranking position reflects the confidence and esteem with which Mr. Ogunjimi and the nation’s commitment to fiscal transparency is regarded by peers across Africa.

As Deputy Chairperson, Mr. Ogunjimi will play a pivotal role in advancing the AAAG’s mission. He will support efforts to promote innovative PFM systems, strengthen public sector accounting, and foster collaboration among member nations.

Recently, under his watch, the Federal Government has commenced payment of the N35, 000 wage award arrears to federal government workers.

Also it was revealed that the Federal Government has paid the second tranche of the outstanding N35, 000 wage award arrears to federal government workers.

The OAGF said the Federal Government had earlier paid one month out of the initial five months outstanding arrears, adding that with the payment of the second tranche, there remains three tranches to exhaust the wage award arrears.

The OAGF said contrary to insinuations in some quarters, the Federal Government has not reneged on payment of the wage award arrears; stressing that the Federal Government will continue to pay the wage award in instalments of N35, 000 per month until the outstanding arrears is exhausted.

The OAGF said many federal government employees have confirmed receipt of the payment, adding that others that have not yet received will do so. The OAGF said the payments would be done in instalments of N35, 000 for five months.

The AGoF demonstrated wits and wisdom from the first day in office when he allayed any fear among the staff members in the Treasury House about victimisation rather he urged staff to embrace collective responsibility in achieving the office’s objectives.

Speaking during his resumption ceremony Ogunjimi assured employees that no one would be victimized under his leadership. He emphasized the importance of unity and teamwork in advancing the goals of the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation OAGF, pledging to be a listening leader.

“It is good to be back. This is our home, and nobody will drive us out. I want everyone to embrace a spirit of togetherness,” he said. “I do not belong to any group, and I will not polarize this office. If I fail, we all fail. I am ready to commit myself fully to public service.”

Ogunjimi urged staff members to move beyond past challenges and work towards a better Nigeria. With the above soothing statements, the staff members were motivated to give the best for the country from the day one of his resumption.

In a rare demonstration of candour and humility, Ogunjimi has been interacting with stakeholders in the entire sector to ensure that innovations that will bring succour to the federal government workers are introduced.

While interacting with his professional and Academy colleagues of the doctorate class the Ogunjimi expressed his willingness to work with all professional organisations that will bring positive development to the nation.

Mr Ogunjimi called on his classmates to come up with ideas and suggestions that will enhance the management of the nation’s treasury that will positively affect the economy

Mr Ogunijmi has also expressed the readiness to ensure the successful passage of the Public Financial Management Bill. 

Mr Ogunijmi stated this during a meeting with the Director General of the Bureau of Public Service Reforms BPSR, Dr Dasuki Arabi who led a team from the Agency on a courtesy visit to the Accountant General’s office.

The PFM Bill was initiated by the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation OAGF to give legal backing to the public finance management reform initiatives of the federal government and the operations of the treasury of the federation.

While speaking with the BPSR Boss, Mr Ogunjimi said, “I am aware of the Public Financial Management Bill, I am a member of the committee that is putting the Bill together; so it is going to be one of my priorities to see that the Bill is passed”.

He hinted that a stakeholders’ engagement was planned for the proposed Bill and solicited the involvement of the Bureau of Public Service Reforms in the engagement.

The AGoF also pointed out that he will give priority to positive reforms that will reposition the treasury of the federation for more efficient performance.

Recently, he assured that the OAGF will work within its mandate to promote compliance with government guidelines and circulars on execution and payment for constituency projects.

He made this known when the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs, Mr Onwusoro Maduka Ihemelandu visited him in Abuja.

Mr Ogunjimi reaffirmed the support of the OAGF to the campaign by the Federal Ministry of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs to enforce compliance with government guidelines and circulars on execution and payment for constituency projects.

“We will give bite to these guidelines; we will ensure that this guidelines is projected adequately and that it becomes part of the prerequisite documentation for all constituency projects”, he said.

He promised that the guidelines on constituency projects will be made an important part of discussions at all OAGF engagements with its stakeholders and that the Ministry of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs will be given opportunity to make presentations at such occasions.  

Mr Ogunjimi stated further that in OAGF circulars on closure and capital projects, emphasis will be made on compliance with the guidelines on constituency projects.

He advised the Ministry of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs to continue the engagement with relevant government Agencies, stakeholders and the National Assembly to increase awareness on the guidelines and circulars.

On inter agency collaboration; Mr Ogunjimi has extended a hand of fellowship to some agencies of the federal government with aim to promote efficiency and transparency. In one of such collaboration parley, he reaffirmed that his Office will continue to support the Federal Road Safety Corps FRSC in its effort to ensure safety on Nigerian roads.

He observed that there has always been a cordial working relationship between the OAGF and the FRSC and assured that the relationship will be strengthened and sustained.

The AGF acknowledged the enormity of the FRSC’s mandate of safeguarding lives on Nigerian roads, adding that the Treasury will prioritize all FRSC requests and ensure prompt release of funds for their allocations and entitlements. 

“Your officers and men are always on the road trying to keep the roads safe. For us at the Treasury, we will continue to support the FRSC. I want to assure you that every bit of your request and needs will be given prompt attention”, he said.

He commended the officers and men of the FRSC for their commitment to duty despite the challenges and urged them not to relent in their effort.

Speaking earlier, the Corps Marshall of the Federal Road Safety Corps, Mr Shehu Mohammed, appreciated the AGF for the visit and acknowledged the support of the OAGF to the FRSC.

He said road safety has become a global agenda adding that the Federal Road Safety Corps FRSC will not relent in its determination to ensure safety in Nigerian roads. 

While noting that no strategy to promote road safety can succeed without adequate enforcement, the Corps Marshall highlighted the operational challenges faced by the FRSC and sought the AGF’s support in addressing them through enhanced budgetary provisions and timely releases of funds.

It is on record that under his watch, the Federal Government is making concrete efforts to clear the outstanding payments to genuine contractors for contracts executed by Federal Ministries, Department and Agencies MDAs.

The OAGF have recently explained that the Federal Government has laid down rules for the award and execution of contracts and no payment would be made for contracts awarded without due process or contracts not executed according to specification. 

“The Federal Government has records of contracts executed by MDAs and is meticulous in the payment for these contracts to guarantee value for money spent. Efforts are underway to pay for contracts duly awarded and completed according to specifications”, the OAGF said. 

In modern administration one of the elements that makes governance acceptable is transparency. This was what AGoF demonstrated when the Federal Government employees, identified with the recent complaints regarding the non-receipt of June 2025 salaries by some personnel especially those whose accounts are domiciled with Zenith Bank Plc.

According to him, “upon investigation, it was discovered that the salary payments for employees across various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) were affected due to a technical network glitch during the processing of salaries at the bank.

“The OAGF understands the anxiety and frustration this situation has caused, particularly given the importance of timely salary payments to the livelihoods and responsibilities of our valued public servants.

“We deeply regret the inconvenience this unfortunate incident has caused and wishes to assure all affected employees that immediate steps have been taken to resolve the issue.”

“The Office is currently working closely with the relevant service providers and stakeholders to ensure that the failed payments are reprocessed without further delay. We appeal to all affected staff of the Federal Public Service to remain calm and rest assured that no effort will be spared in ensuring everyone receives their rightful salaries.

“Concrete steps have already been taken to isolate the problem and arrangements are underway to reprocess the failed payments in the shortest possible time. The welfare of Federal Government employees remains a top priority of the Office.

The OAGF remains fully committed to transparency, accountability, and efficiency in all payroll operations and are open to continuous engagement with stakeholders to ensure sustained improvements in our service delivery.”