The Federal Government has introduced stricter regulations for imprest reimbursement, mandating that all requests for reimbursement should not exceed twice within a single quarter. This directive was outlined in a circular released by the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation, which also confirmed that the Minister of Finance has signed the Annual General Imprest Warrant (AGIW) for the year 2026.
New Imprest Limits for Government Officials
The circular, signed by the Accountant General, Dr. Shamseldeen Ogunjimi, establishes specific imprest limits for various categories of officials. Ministers now have an imprest limit of N700,000, while permanent secretaries and directors general are capped at N500,000. Directors and heads of department have a limit of N300,000, and heads of formations in states along with other authorized imprest holders are restricted to N100,000.
The circular states, "The frequency of reimbursement of any standing imprest shall normally be once in a quarter and shall not exceed twice in a quarter where the need arises."
Addressing Abuse and Rising Claims
This tightening of rules is believed to be a response to a significant surge in imprest claims. In 2024, claims skyrocketed by 308 percent to reach N2.27 billion, up from N556.3 million in 2023. There have been allegations of widespread abuse, including failure to retire funds and duplication of payments.
The circular emphasizes compliance, stating, "All imprest holders shall adhere strictly to the provisions of the Financial Regulations nos. 1005 to 1012 in maintaining proper account of their imprest."
Compliance and Reporting Requirements
All self-accounting ministries, extra-ministerial offices, and agencies, including all arms of government, are required to submit to the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation within 30 days. This submission must include the particulars of vouchers used to retire imprest for 2025, as well as a list of entitled imprest holders and their locations for 2026.
Additionally, the circular directs imprest holders to open an operational bank account specifically for managing imprest, in compliance with the e-payment policy. This measure aims to enhance transparency and reduce the potential for financial mismanagement.
