Controversy Erupts Over Accountant General’s UK Workshop Amid Nigeria’s Economic Woes

The Accountant General of the Federation and state commissioners of finance have faced intense backlash for hosting a high-profile workshop in London, UK, at a time when Nigeria’s economy is grappling with a severe downturn.

The 5-day event, titled “Public Financial Management and IPSAS,” was held at the Copthorne Tara Hotel in Kensington, London, from March 4-9, 2024. It brought together officials from the Office of the Accountant General and finance commissioners from all 36 states.

While the workshop’s agenda covered critical topics like accounting in a hyperinflationary economy and public financial management challenges in Nigeria, civil society groups and rights activists have lambasted the government officials for their apparent disregard of the country’s economic plight.

“This is the height of financial recklessness and insensitivity to the economic situation of Nigeria today,” said Jackson Omenazu, Chancellor of the International Society for Social Justice and Human Rights. “The journey is absolutely unnecessary for the Accountant General to travel with 36 commissioners of finance.”

Omenazu argued that the workshop could have been held within Nigeria, with facilitators brought in, to save on the prohibitive foreign exchange costs. He described the decision as a “waste of the country’s financial resources” at a time when Nigerians are grappling with a persistent forex crisis, high inflation, and food shortages.

Debo Adeniran, Chairman of the Centre for Anti-corruption and Open Leadership, echoed similar sentiments, stating that the Accountant General should have opted for a “training of the trainers” approach to minimize travel expenses.

The backlash comes as President Bola Tinubu has recently emphasized the need to cut down on the cost of governance, including reducing the size of official entourages.

When contacted, the Director of Press at the Office of the Accountant General, Bawa Mokwa, defended the trip, stating that the workshop was an annual event and that the facilitators were based in the UK. He also claimed the event was approved by the National Economic Council.

However, economic analysts argue that the government should prioritize cost-saving measures, especially in the current economic climate, by exploring virtual or in-country training options that minimize the strain on Nigeria’s scarce foreign exchange reserves.