Civil society and rights groups in Nigeria have criticized the Accountant General of the Federation, as well as commissioners of finance from the 36 states, for opting to conduct a workshop in the United Kingdom amidst the country’s economic challenges.
The workshop, titled “Public Financial Management and IPSAS,” was organized by the Office of the AGF and took place at the Copthorne Tara Hotel in Kensington, London, from March 4 to March 9, 2024. Participants included state commissioners of finance and officials from the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation.
Despite Nigeria grappling with persistent foreign exchange crisis, high inflation, and food shortages leading to protests, the decision to hold the workshop abroad sparked large criticism.
The event covered topics such as IPSAS, accounting in hyperinflationary economies, and challenges in public financial management implementation.
Critics argued that such a workshop should have been held within Nigeria to save costs and demonstrate sensitivity to the nation’s economic plight.
Jackson Omenazu, Chancellor of the International Society for Social Justice and Human Rights, labeled the trip as “financial recklessness” and urged for prudence in utilizing the country’s resources.
Similarly, Debo Adeniran, Chairman of the Centre for Anti-corruption and Open Leadership, questioned the necessity of the trip and suggested exploring cheaper training options within the country.
However, Bawa Mokwa, Director of Press at the Office of the AGF, defended the decision, stating that the workshop was an annual event and approved by the National Economic Council.
