A recent administrative decision by the Accountant-General of the Federation (AGF), Mrs. Oluwatoyin Madein, has generated confusion within Nigeria’s civil service. Despite President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s appointment of Shamseldeen Babatunde Ogunjimi as Acting AGF, Mrs. Madein, who is due for retirement on March 7, 2025, has redeployed Ogunjimi to the Public Service Institute of Nigeria (PSIN) Accounts.
President Tinubu’s appointment of Ogunjimi was announced on December 10, 2024, intended to take effect immediately following Mrs. Madein’s commencement of pre-retirement leave on December 7. However, Mrs. Madein did not proceed on leave and continued in her role, citing civil service regulations that make terminal leave optional.
In a circular dated December 18, 2024, Mrs. Madein approved the posting of several Directorate Level Treasury Officers, including Ogunjimi’s reassignment. She emphasized that failure to comply with the posting instructions would be treated in accordance with public service rules.
The situation has led to uncertainty among staff, as the Office of the Head of Service of the Federation (HoCSF) endorsed Mrs. Madein’s continuation in office until her retirement date. This endorsement appears to have delayed Ogunjimi’s assumption of the Acting AGF role, pending further clarification from the presidency.
Observers note that this development has caused a rift within the civil service, with some officials expressing concerns over the apparent disregard for presidential appointments. The situation underscores the complexities of administrative transitions and the need for clear communication between the presidency and civil service leadership to ensure seamless transitions in key government positions.
