A Civil Society Organisation, the Integrity Advocacy for Development Initiative (IADI) has exenorated Debt Management Office (DMO) over reported expenditure on staff refreshments and welfare items.
The group in a statement Wednesday signed by its executive director Comrade Ofomhi Osizemhete Christopher, said the position was taken after it received a comprehensive clarification from the agency.
According to him, “Our intervention arose after another civil society organization invited IADI to participate in a proposed protest and press conference over the reported expenditure.
“In keeping with our commitment to fairness, objectivity, and responsible civic engagement, we chose to first seek clarification directly from the Debt Management Office before taking any public position on the matter.
“The clarification provided by the Debt Management Office states that the expenditure in question was not incurred for the personal benefit of the Director General or any individual official. Rather, the expenditure relates to office wide expenditure benefiting all staff members.”
He said the agency also categorically affirmed that the Director General has no direct or indirect interest in any of the vendors involved in the procurement process.
He added that the clarification places the expenditure within the context of legitimate office wide operational and staff welfare expenditure benefiting all staff members.
He said IADI has decided not to participate in any protest or public action against the Debt Management Office on the basis of the issues presented.
“We consider the clarification received to be constructive and satisfactory, and we encourage continued engagement between public institutions and civil society in the interest of transparency, national development, and public trust.
“With respect to issues relating to procurement procedures, vendor selection, contract administration, and the necessary approvals, we recognize that these matters are governed by the Public Procurement Act, the Financial Regulations, and other applicable government guidelines. In the absence of credible evidence demonstrating any breach of these legal and regulatory frameworks, it would be premature and unfair to draw adverse conclusions against the Debt Management Office or its leadership,” he said.
He the group further observed that public institutions routinely engage multiple vendors for administrative, operational, and staff welfare procurements in accordance with approved procedures.
“The mere existence of multiple vendors or recurring procurements does not, in itself, constitute evidence of wrongdoing. Allegations of impropriety must be supported by verifiable facts rather than speculation or assumptions,” he said.
He said as an organisation committed to transparency, accountability, and good governance, IADI remains of the view that public institutions should continue to embrace openness and constructive engagement with citizens and civil society organizations.
“At the same time, efforts to promote accountability must be guided by fairness, credible evidence, and respect for due process.
“The Debt Management Office occupies a strategic position in Nigeria’s economic management architecture. Its mandate in public debt management, financing strategy, investor confidence, and fiscal sustainability is of immense national importance.
“Public discourse concerning such institutions should therefore be conducted responsibly in a manner that promotes confidence in public institutions while preserving legitimate mechanisms for oversight and accountability,” he said.