The Federal Government has introduced new financial control measures that reduce the maximum reimbursable imprest available to ministers to ₦700,000, as part of efforts to strengthen accountability and curb wasteful spending across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).
The directive is 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 Treasury Circular issued by the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation.
Under the new limits:
- Ministers: ₦700,000
- Permanent Secretaries and Directors-General: ₦500,000
- Directors and Heads of Departments: ₦300,000
- Heads of Formations and other authorised holders: ₦100,000
The government also restricted how often imprest can be replenished. Reimbursements are now expected to occur once per quarter, and in exceptional circumstances, not more than twice within a quarter.
In addition, all procurements above ₦1 million must go through the formal contract award process in accordance with the Public Procurement Act, except where otherwise permitted by law.
The Accountant-General, Shamseldeen Ogunjimi, said the measures are intended to improve transparency, accountability, and prudent management of public funds. MDAs have also been directed to submit reports on imprest usage and ensure that imprest accounts are properly retired and documented.
Imprest refers to a cash advance given to public officials for routine and urgent official expenses that do not require the full government procurement process. Under existing regulations, all expenditures must be supported with documentation before new advances can be approved.
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