FG cuts ministers’ imprest to N700,000, tightens spending rules

The Federal Government has introduced fresh measures to strengthen financial discipline across Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), including a reduction in reimbursable imprest for public officials and stricter controls on spending. The directives are contained in the 2026 Annual General Imprest Warrant signed by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo […]

The Federal Government has introduced fresh measures to strengthen financial discipline across Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), including a reduction in reimbursable imprest for public officials and stricter controls on spending.
The directives 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 (OAGF).
The circular, dated June 3, 2026, and signed by the Accountant-General of the Federation, Shamseldeen Ogunjimi, authorises accounting officers across the three arms of government to approve funds for eligible imprest holders while prescribing spending limits and compliance requirements.
Under the new regime, 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 will receive up to N300,000, while heads of formations and other authorised imprest holders are restricted to N100,000.
The OAGF said the measures align with Financial Regulation 1003 and are aimed at promoting accountability and prudent management of public resources.
The government also limited the frequency of imprest reimbursements, stating that reimbursements should normally be made once per quarter and must not exceed twice within the same quarter except when necessary.
In addition, all procurements above N1 million must be conducted through contract awards in line with the Public Procurement Act.
The government further directed imprest holders to operate dedicated bank accounts in line with its electronic payment policy and submit details of retired 2025 imprest allocations alongside lists of approved holders for 2026.
The Accountant-General warned that routine inspections would be conducted and sanctions imposed for violations, including the withdrawal of imprest-issuing powers from defaulting accounting officers.