The Federal Government has barred Ministries, Departments and Agencies from awarding contracts or entering into any financial commitments without first securing the required budgetary approval and cash backing, in a move aimed at tightening fiscal discipline and enforcing compliance with procurement laws.
The directive was contained in a Federal Treasury Circular dated July 31, 2026, and signed by the Accountant-General of the Federation, Dr Shamseldeen Ogunjimi.
The circular was addressed to key government officials, including ministers, permanent secretaries, heads of extra-ministerial departments and agencies, accounting officers, and federal pay officers.
According to the Accountant-General, the fresh operational guidelines became necessary following widespread violations of the Public Procurement Act, 2007, and other financial regulations governing public expenditure.