Tinubu Appoints Ogunjimi As Nigeria's Acting AGF

President Bola Tinubu has appointed Mr Shamseldeen Babatunde Ogunjimi as the Nigeria’s acting Accountant General of the Federation (AGF).

The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga announced this in a statement from the State House on Tuesday, December 10, 2024.

Onanuga noted that Ogunjimi’s appointment is effective immediately following the pre-retirement leave of the incumbent AGF, Dr Mrs Oluwatoyin Madein.

After reaching the civil service’s statutory retirement age,Dr. Madein is retiring effective March 7, 2025.

Onanuga stated that Tinubu, in announcing Madein’s successor, ensured a seamless transition in the administration of Nigeria’s treasury and consolidated the implementation of the present administration’s treasury policy reforms.

Tinubu expressed confidence in Ogunjimi, saying: “The Office of the Accountant General of the Federation is pivotal to our nation’s treasury management operations.

“Mr Ogunjimi’s wealth of experience and notable competence will ensure the continued effectiveness of this vital institution as we advance our economic reform agenda.”

Tinubu also commended Madein for her “dedication and selfless service to the nation”.

The statement added: “As a career civil servant and the most senior director in the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation (OAGF), Ogunjimi brings over 30 years of extensive experience in financial management across the public and private sectors.

“He has held significant positions, including Director of Funds at the OAGF and Director of Finance and Accounts at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

“A chartered accountant, certified fraud examiner, chartered stockbroker, and chartered security and investment specialist, Ogunjimi’s academic qualifications include a Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Accountancy and a Master’s in Finance and Accounting.”

Tinubu Appoints New NUC Boss, Others

President Bola Tinubu has appointed new heads for various MDAs, namel: the National Universities Commission (NUC), the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC), the Solid Minerals Development Fund / Presidential Artisanal Gold Mining Initiative (SMDF/PAGMI), and the New Partnership for Africa Development (NEPAD), as was announced on 6th Decembe, 2024 from the State House.

Prof. Abdullahi Yusuf Ribadu, a visiting professor at the NUC, is the agency's Executive Secretary.

Prof. Salisu Shehu is the Executive Secretary of the NERDC.

Jabiru Salisu Abdullahi Tsauri is the National Coordinator of NEPAD.

Yazid Shehu Umar Danfulani was appointed as the Executive Secretary of the SMDF/PAGMI.

Prof. Ribadu is an expert in veterinary reproduction and has served as vice chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Yola, and the Sule Lamido University, Jigawa State.

Prof. Shehu is a renowned academic in educational and human Psychology. He was instrumental in establishing the School of Continuing Education at Bayero University, Kano, and was the Vice-Chancellor of Al-Istiqamah University, Kano.

Jabiru Tsauri holds a Master’s in International Affairs and Diplomacy from Ahmadu Bello University. He is a seasoned administrator with expertise in legislative affairs, global affairs, and democratic governance and vast experience in public service.

Yazid Danfulani holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration and a Master’s in Arts and Management from the University of Hertfordshire in the United Kingdom.

He has extensive experience in Banking, Computing, and Business Administration. He once worked at the Central Bank of Nigeria and was also a Commissioner for Commerce and Industry in Zamfara State.

The President believes the appointees’ experience and track record will bring a new sense of commitment, progress, and positive outcomes to fulfil Nigerians’ expectations in their respective organisations.

CBN Provides Phone Numbers for Customers to Report Scarcity of Money in ATMs

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has released telephone numbers for bank customers to report difficulties experienced while trying to withdraw cash over the counter or via the Automated Teller Machines (ATMs).

The CBN announced this through a circular released on Tuesday, 3rd December 2024.

In recent times, bank customers have experienced difficulty trying to get cash from banks’ ATMs and Point of Sale (POS) agents. This has resulted in a hike in withdrawal charges by some of the POS operators.

It could be recalled that while speaking at the recent Annual Bankers’ Dinner held in Lagos State, the CBN Governor, Mr. Olayemi Cardoso urged Nigerians to report difficulties withdrawing cash from bank branches or ATMs to the apex bank from December 1, 2024. The CBN, in a circular jointly signed by its acting Director of Currency Operations, Mr. Solaja Olayemi, and the acting Director of Branch Operations, Mrs. Isa-Olatinwo Aisha, provided telephone numbers to help address customers’ challenges.

The apex bank stated: “Please refer to the various engagements and interventions from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) on the above subject aimed at addressing efficient and optimal currency circulation in the economy. “As part of these ongoing efforts, we would like to draw your attention to the following directives and Guidelines:

“Deposit Money Banks (DMBs): DMBs are directed to ensure efficient cash disbursement to customers Over-the-Counter (OTC) and through ATMs as the CBN will intensify its oversight roles to enforce this directive and ensure compliance.

“General Public Reporting: Members of the public who are unable to obtain cash Over-the-Counter or through ATMs at DMBs, are encouraged to report these instances using the designated reporting channels and format provided below.

“This will assist CBN in addressing issues hindering the availability of cash and further improve currency circulation.”

To make a report of a bank branch or ATM not dispensing cash, the CBN said affected customers are to provide the relevant details which include, “account name/name of the DMB/amount /time and date of Incident(s) amongst others via the following dedicated channels.”

The CBN added: “Phone Call: Designated phone number(s) of the CBN branch in the state where the incident(s) occurred.