By Kofoworola Fakeye, JKNewsMedia Reporter
MAXIMUM REINMBURSABLE imprest available to ministers has been reduced to N700,000 as the Federal Government (FG) introduces stricter controls on public spending across Ministries, Departments and Agencies.
JKNewsMedia.com reports that the measures are contained in the 2026 Annual General Imprest Warrant signed by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, and conveyed through a Federal Treasury Circular issued by the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation.
The circular dated June 3, 2026, and signed by the Accountant General of the Federation, Shamseldeen Ogunjimi, authorises accounting officers to approve funds for eligible imprest holders while setting new spending limits and compliance requirements.
Under the new structure, ministers are entitled to a maximum reimbursable imprest of N700,000, while permanent secretaries and directors general are limited to N500,000.
Directors and heads of departments are restricted to N300,000, while heads of formations in states and other authorised holders are limited to N100,000.
The government also limited reimbursement frequency, stating that standing imprest should normally be reimbursed once per quarter and not more than twice within the same quarter where necessary.
JKNewsMedia.com also reports that all local procurement of goods and services above N1 million must now be conducted through contract awards in line with the Public Procurement Act, except where otherwise provided by law.
Ministries, Departments and Agencies have also been directed to submit details of retired 2025 imprest allocations and approved 2026 imprest holders to the Accountant General within 30 days.
Imprest holders are required to operate dedicated bank accounts and submit monthly reports on funds received and retired.
Also, the Treasury Inspectorate Department will conduct routine inspections throughout the year, while violations may attract sanctions, including withdrawal of an accounting officer’s authority to issue imprest.
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