The Federal Government has introduced new imprest ceilings for ministers and senior officials across its Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), according to the 2025 General Imprest Warrant issued by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun.
The updated warrant, designed in accordance with Financial Regulation No. 1003, empowers Accounting Officers in government institutions to authorize payments to designated imprest holders.
Under the newly approved limits, ministers are entitled to ₦700,000, while Permanent Secretaries and Director-Generals are allocated ₦500,000. Directors and Heads of Departments will receive ₦300,000, and Heads of Formations in each state, along with other authorized personnel, will be given ₦100,000.
The guidelines stipulate that standing imprest reimbursements should be processed once per quarter, with a maximum of two reimbursements in exceptional situations within the same quarter.
Furthermore, all government purchases and services exceeding ₦1 million must go through a formal contract process in compliance with the Public Procurement Act, 2007.
“These steps are part of efforts to enhance transparency, accountability, and efficiency in the use of public funds,” the minister explained.
Accounting officers have been directed to submit detailed reports of imprest expenditures from 2024 within 30 days, including the names and locations of all current imprest holders for the 2025 fiscal year.
According to the guidelines, “To facilitate efficient record-keeping and accountability, imprest holders must open operational bank accounts for managing these funds. Monthly returns showing disbursements and retirements must be submitted to the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation.”
The directive further warns that any breach of financial regulations may lead to the withdrawal of imprest privileges and disciplinary measures against the offending officer.
