The CSO authorizes the DMO on staff refreshments and welfare related item charges

A civil society organisation, Integrity Advocacy for Development Initiative (IADI), has exempted the Debt Management Office (DMO) on declared expenses for staff refreshments and welfare items.

The group, in a statement signed by its Executive Director, Comrade Ofomhi Osizemhete Christopher, on Wednesday said the position was taken after receiving a full clarification from the agency.

According to him, “our intervention came about after another civil society organization invited IADI to participate in a proposed protest and press conference on the declared expenses.

“In line with our commitment to fairness, objectivity and responsible civic engagement, we have chosen to seek clarification directly from the Office for Debt Management before taking any public position on the matter.

“The clarification provided by the Office for Debt Management states that the expenditure in question was not incurred for the personal benefit of the Director General or any individual officer. Rather, the expenditure relates to office-wide expenditure for the benefit of all staff members.”

The agency also categorically stated that the Director General has no direct or indirect interest in any of the suppliers involved in the procurement process.

He added that the clarification places the expense in the context of legitimate operational and staff welfare expenses at the office level for the benefit of all staff members.

He said that IADI has decided not to participate in any protest or public action against the Debt Management Office based on the issues presented.

“We believe that the clarifications received are constructive and satisfactory and encourage continued dialogue between public institutions and civil society in the interests of transparency, national development and public trust.

“With respect to matters relating to procurement procedures, supplier selection, contract administration and necessary approvals, we recognize that these matters are governed by the Public Procurement Act, 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 negative conclusions against the Debt Management Office or its leadership,” he said.
The group also noted that public institutions routinely hire multiple suppliers for administrative, operational and staff welfare procurement in accordance with approved procedures.

“The mere existence of multiple suppliers or recurring procurements does not, in itself, constitute evidence of wrongdoing. Allegations of unfairness must be supported by verifiable facts rather than speculation or hypotheses,” he said.

He said that as an organization 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 organisations.

“At the same time, efforts to promote accountability must be guided by fairness, credible evidence and 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 regarding such institutions should therefore be conducted responsibly, so as to promote trust in public institutions while preserving legitimate mechanisms of oversight and accountability,” he said.