Jun 8, 2026

FG Slashes Imprest Allowances for Ministers, Top Officials

By Afolabi Olaiya Idowu in news

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Abuja, Nigeria — In a move aimed at strengthening fiscal discipline and reducing public expenditure, the Federal Government has significantly reduced the maximum reimbursable imprest available to ministers and senior public officials across the federal civil service.

Under the new directive, ministers will now be entitled to a maximum reimbursable imprest of N700,000, marking a notable reduction in discretionary funds available for official expenses. Permanent secretaries and directors-general will be eligible for up to N500,000, while directors and heads of departments will have a ceiling of N300,000.

The policy further stipulates that heads of federal formations in states, alongside other authorised imprest holders, will be limited to a maximum of N100,000.

The development is being viewed as part of ongoing efforts by the Federal Government to tighten financial controls, promote accountability in public spending, and curb waste within government institutions.

Imprest refers to cash advances provided to public officials to cover routine official expenses, subject to retirement and reimbursement procedures.

Over the years, concerns have been raised about the management of such funds and the broader cost of governance in Nigeria.

While details surrounding the implementation framework are still emerging, public finance analysts have described the reduction as a signal of the government’s intention to enforce stricter expenditure controls amid economic challenges and increasing pressure on public finances.

The decision comes at a time when the administration has repeatedly emphasized the need for prudence in the management of government resources, particularly as Nigerians continue to grapple with rising living costs and economic reforms.

Observers say the effectiveness of the new policy will depend largely on transparent enforcement and compliance across ministries, departments, and agencies.

More details are expected as official guidelines on the revised imprest structure become available.