THE Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has issued a December 31 deadline for all Ministries, Departments And Agencies (MDAs) to return unspent balances on personnel votes to the Sub-Treasury of the Federation.
Warning of its preparedness to invoke the relevant sections of the law on erring agencies, departments or ministries, a statement signed by Mr. Ekpo Nta, the chairman of the Commission Saturday also ordered the MDAs to submit the receipt and expenditure profiles of their personnel cost not later than January 31, 2013, using a template approved by the Commission.
The ICPC chairman stated that "letters have been sent to the various Ministries, Departments and Agencies for strict compliance and to note that any infraction will be prosecuted."
He also disclosed that the Commission would commence verification for the returns made to the Sub-Treasury by February, 2013."
In the statement titled, "Treatment Of Unspent Balances Of 2012 Personnel Votes," Nta noted that the Commission had conducted a pilot system study and review on the utilisation of the 2011 personnel vote of some MDAs and observed lapses, which it highlighted and discussed with them.
"The Commission," he said, "will be carrying out another system study and review of the 2012 personnel vote to ensure total compliance with Section 16 of the Finance (Control and Management) Act, LFN, 1990 and the Financial Regulations regarding unspent balances in line with the Accountant-General of Nigeria's Circular No. TRY/A5 & B5/2011 of November 20, 2012."
