Financial Responsibility and Accountability of Public Officers

Financial Regulations

Officers are personally and pecuniarily responsible for the proper performance of their financial duties, collection and custody of public money and accuracy of accounts rendered by or under their authority. Audit by the Auditor-General does not relieve officers of their own responsibility. Delegating or entrusting duties to a subordinate also does not relieve the officer of responsibility.

Reference: Federal Government Financial Regulations, FR 124–125

Also covered in

Federal Government Financial Regulations

An officer who makes, allows or directs a disbursement without proper authority is personally responsible for the amount involved. An officer whose duties require the rendering of accounts is similarly responsible for inaccuracies in those accounts.

Reference: FR 401(ii)

Lagos State Public Procurement Law 2021

Public officers involved in procurement remain accountable for compliance with the Law and Regulations; procurement and disposal decisions must be taken in accordance with prescribed authority and accountability requirements.

Reference: ss.26, 35, 86

Practise Questions (3)