FG Reduces Ministers' Imprest to N700,000, Tightens Rules

The Federal Government of Nigeria has introduced new measures to strengthen financial discipline across ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) by reducing the reimbursement imprest for public officials. The maximum imprest for ministers is now set at N700,000, while permanent secretaries and director-generals are entitled to N500,000 and N300,000, respectively.

The Office of the Accountant General of the Federation (OAGF) issued a circular on June 3, 2026, signed by Shamseldeen Ogunjimi, outlining these changes. The new regulations also stipulate that reimbursements will be limited to once per quarter, with a maximum of two reimbursements allowed within a quarter, except for necessary additional procurements above N1 million.

Furthermore, imprest holders are required to operate dedicated bank accounts in line with electronic payment policies. The circular emphasizes routine inspections and sanctions for violations, including the withdrawal of imprest issued to defaulting account holders.