On Monday, March 10, 2025, Shamseldeen Ogunjimi officially assumed the role of Accountant-General of the Federation, succeeding Dr. Oluwatoyin Sakirat Madein, who retired the same day. Ogunjimi, whose appointment was confirmed on March 7, 2025, wasted no time in outlining his vision for the Treasury, calling for unity among staff and a commitment to upholding the institution’s independence.
In an address at the Treasury House in Abuja, Ogunjimi set the tone for his tenure with a strong call to action for all staff members. “The task ahead is enormous. If I fail, every single one of you here has failed,” he declared, highlighting that he would dedicate himself fully to the service of the Treasury. “I am here to do everything possible to make sure the Treasury is at the head of all institutions in Nigeria,” he added.
Ogunjimi’s words struck a chord with staff, as he acknowledged the significant challenges the Treasury faces, particularly regarding its image and internal unity. He urged staff to work together, stressing that division within the office would only undermine progress. “Please, I beg of you. Let us work together. A pass is a pass. Let us work, work,” he appealed, encouraging a spirit of collaboration.
One of the key points of Ogunjimi’s speech was his firm stance on maintaining the independence of the Treasury. Reflecting on his past experiences, he spoke candidly about attempts by Chief Executives of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to interfere in the Treasury’s affairs, particularly in relation to personnel decisions.
“I’ve been a victim of a Chief Executive calling the Accountant-General to say, ‘I don’t like this Director of Finance and Admin, I don’t like this director. Please remove him,’” Ogunjimi recalled. He made it clear that his administration would not tolerate such external interference, particularly when it comes to career-related decisions. “I’m not going to follow that path,” he stated firmly.
He reassured Treasury officials that any career-related matters would be handled fairly. Directors posted to MDAs, he said, would be given the opportunity to present their cases if issues arose. “If anybody comes to me, I’m going to call the director-in-charge. Tell your own story or whatever you know about it. Then we’ll now decide whether it’s worth it,” he explained.
Ogunjimi’s commitment to a fair process was met with approval from staff members, who have often faced challenges when dealing with external pressures from powerful officials within the public service.
Another issue raised by Ogunjimi was the impact of workplace hostilities on staff performance. He acknowledged that an unsupportive work environment could hinder the effectiveness of Treasury officers and promised to explore alternative solutions to ensure staff well-being.
“Sometimes, your career may also be at stake. If your chief executive doesn’t want you, then there’s no point staying there because he or she may frustrate your functions or your life. So, we will amicably look for a better solution that will make your life not miserable,” he said, offering reassurance to staff members concerned about their professional futures.
In a further demonstration of his commitment to staff welfare, Ogunjimi reaffirmed his open-door policy, encouraging staff to approach him with any concerns. “If anything is bothering you in the discharge of your functions, I’m here. Talk to me. I’m your AGF. Feel free to come to me. I will listen to you. I’m a good listener. I will support you,” he said, offering a level of accessibility that many found encouraging.
While Ogunjimi acknowledged the difficulties ahead, he also urged staff to look towards the future with a positive outlook. “Whatever has happened, has happened. We have to move on. I am not in any group. We are not going to polarise the house. The task ahead is enormous. We can’t be fighting ourselves. We must achieve,” he stressed.
A key aspect of Ogunjimi’s vision for the Treasury is improving its image, which has faced challenges in recent years. He called on staff to take responsibility for enhancing the institution’s reputation, highlighting that every action they take would contribute to shaping public perception. “The past is the past. Let us work. Work, work. Begin to ask yourself, what will you do to change the perception of the Treasury? Every second of your work will impact the image of the Treasury,” he said.
Ogunjimi’s stress on collective responsibility for the Treasury’s success resonated with many of the staff members present, who have long worked under the shadow of public scrutiny.
Ogunjimi’s vast experience in financial management is seen as one of his key strengths as he steps into his new role. With over 30 years of experience across both the public and private sectors, 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 also a fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria and the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria.
Before his appointment, Ogunjimi held various senior roles in financial management, which equipped him with the expertise needed to tackle the challenges faced by the Treasury. His extensive background in financial oversight and governance makes him well-placed to navigate the complexities of managing the Federation’s finances.
Throughout his address, Ogunjimi stressed his commitment to the values of integrity, fairness, and transparency. Reflecting on his own journey, he acknowledged that his rise to the position of Accountant-General was made possible by the opportunities provided by the Nigerian public service. “I may not have been who I am today if not for the opportunity provided to me by this service,” he noted, expressing gratitude for the role he has now undertaken.
As Ogunjimi settles into his new role, his calls for unity, fairness, and professionalism are expected to set the tone for his administration. The success of the Treasury, he believes, depends on every individual working together towards common goals, with a shared commitment to strengthening the institution’s reputation.
