Federal Government has reduced imprest limits for ministers and top officials in a major spending control reform across MDAs

The Federal Government of Nigeria on Monday announced a significant downward review of imprest allocations for ministers and top public officials, setting a new ceiling of N700,000 for ministers in a move aimed at tightening expenditure control across ministries, departments and agencies.

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The directive, which forms part of revised financial guidelines within the public service, also introduced strict limits for other categories of government officials based on rank and responsibility.

Under the new structure, permanent secretaries and directors-general will now be entitled to a maximum reimbursable imprest of N500,000, while directors and heads of departments are capped at N300,000.

Officials heading formations in states and other authorised imprest holders will now operate under a N100,000 ceiling, marking one of the most comprehensive spending adjustments in recent years.

The policy shift comes amid broader efforts by the administration of President Bola Tinubu to strengthen fiscal discipline and improve accountability in public expenditure.

Government sources say the adjustment is intended to curb excess spending and ensure that public funds are used more efficiently across all levels of the civil service.

The Federal Government has in recent months intensified reforms targeting cost-cutting, revenue optimisation and improved financial oversight within ministries and agencies.

Officials familiar with the policy say the new imprest structure is expected to enhance transparency while reducing discretionary spending in day-to-day administrative operations.

Although the announcement has not yet triggered official reactions from all ministries, analysts say the policy could significantly reshape operational budgeting across the public sector.

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The latest measure adds to ongoing fiscal reforms aimed at stabilising government finances amid inflationary pressures and rising public expenditure demands.