The newly appointed Accountant-General of the Federation, Shamseldeen Ogunjimi, has assumed office, setting the tone for his tenure with a call for unity and a firm stance on maintaining the independence of the Treasury.
Ogunjimi’s appointment was announced on March 7, 2025, and he succeeds Dr. Oluwatoyin Sakirat Madein, who retired on the same day.
In his inaugural address to staff at the Treasury House in Abuja, Ogunjimi stressed the enormity of the task ahead, calling for collective responsibility in ensuring the institution’s success. He vowed to dedicate himself fully to strengthening the Treasury’s standing, emphasizing the importance of unity and teamwork in achieving this goal.
Ogunjimi made it clear that his administration would not tolerate external interference, particularly from Chief Executives of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies. He recalled attempts by some executives to influence personnel decisions, particularly regarding Directors of Finance and Administration, and stated that he would not follow this path.
Ogunjimi assured treasury officials that career-related matters would be handled with fairness and transparency. He stated that directors posted to MDAs would be allowed to present their cases if issues arose, and that alternative solutions would be explored to ensure their professional well-being.
The new Accountant-General reaffirmed his commitment to an open-door policy, urging staff to reach out whenever they faced challenges. He emphasized the importance of collaboration and teamwork, stating that internal divisions would only hinder progress.
Ogunjimi urged staff to focus on rebuilding and improving the Treasury’s image rather than dwelling on past events. He acknowledged the challenges ahead but expressed confidence in the ability of the staff to work together towards a common goal.
Shamseldeen Ogunjimi holds a Bachelor of Science in Accountancy from the University of Nigeria and a Master’s in Accounting and Finance from the University of Lagos. He is a fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria and the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria, with over 30 years of experience in financial management across the public and private sectors.
The appointment of Shamseldeen Ogunjimi as the new Accountant-General of the Federation has significant implications for Nigeria’s economy. His commitment to maintaining the independence and integrity of the Treasury, as well as his emphasis on fairness, transparency, and collaboration, are crucial in ensuring the effective management of the country’s finances.