Shamseldeen Ogunjimi, the newly appointed Accountant-General of the Federation, officially assumed office on Monday, outlining his vision for a united and independent Treasury. Addressing staff at the Treasury House in Abuja, Ogunjimi emphasised the significant challenges ahead and called for collective effort to ensure the institution’s success.
“The task ahead is enormous. If I fail, every single one of you here has failed. I am ready to commit myself, my life, to the service of this institution,” Ogunjimi declared. “I am here to do everything possible to ensure the Treasury remains at the forefront of all institutions in Nigeria.”
Ogunjimi urged staff to prioritise teamwork, warning that internal divisions would only impede progress. “Please, I beg of you. Let us work together. A pass is a pass. Let us work, work,” he appealed. He stressed the importance of collaboration in achieving the Treasury’s goals and maintaining its reputation as a key government institution.
The new Accountant-General also took a firm stance against external interference, particularly from Chief Executives of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs). Reflecting on past experiences, Ogunjimi recalled instances where executives attempted to influence personnel decisions, such as the removal of Directors of Finance and Administration.
“I’ve been a victim of a Chief Executive calling the Accountant-General to say, ‘I don’t like this Director of Finance and Admin, I don’t like this director. Please remove him.’ I’m not going to follow that path,” he stated firmly.
Ogunjimi assured treasury officials that career-related matters would be handled fairly. He pledged that directors posted to MDAs would have the opportunity to present their cases if issues arose. “If anybody comes to me, I’m going to call the director-in-charge. Tell your own story or whatever you know about it. Then we’ll decide whether it’s worth it,” he said.
The Accountant-General also acknowledged concerns about workplace hostilities, recognising that an unsupportive environment could hinder officers’ effectiveness. He emphasised the need for a conducive work atmosphere to enable staff to perform their duties efficiently.
Ogunjimi’s appointment marks a new chapter for the Treasury, with his commitment to unity, fairness, and independence setting the tone for his tenure. His leadership is expected to strengthen the institution’s role in Nigeria’s financial governance and ensure its continued prominence among government bodies.
