The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has directed Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to return all unspent balances on personnel votes to the Sub-Treasury of the Federation not later than Monday, December 31, 2012, or face the law.

A release signed by the commission's chairman, Mr Ekpo Nta, also ordered the MDAs to submit the receipt and expenditure profiles of their personnel cost to the commission not later than January 31, 2013, using a template approved by the commission.

The ICPC chairman stated that "letters have been sent to the various Ministries, Departments and Agencies for strict compliance and to note that any infraction will be prosecuted" to underscore the seriousness his commission attaches to the directives.

He also announced that the "Commission will commence verification for the returns made to the Sub-Treasury by February, 2013.

"The Commission has carried out a pilot System Study and Review on the utilization of the 2011 Personnel Vote of some Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs). Observable lapses were highlighted and discussed with the various MDAs.

"The Commission will be carrying out another System Study and Review of the 2012 Personnel Vote to ensure total compliance with Section 16 of the Finance (Control and Management) Act, LFN, 1990 and the Financial Regulations regarding unspent balances in line with the Accountant-General of Nigeria's Circular No. TRY/A5 & B5/2011 of 20th November, 2012.

"All MDAs are requested to submit the Receipt and Expenditure profiles of their Personnel Cost to reach the Commission not later than January 31, 2013 using the approved template. For avoidance of doubt, Personnel Vote is for the payment of salaries and allowances for Government employees only. "All unspent balances should be returned to the Sub-Treasury of the Federation by 31st December, 2012.

"The Commission will commence verification of the returns made to the Sub-Treasury by February, 2013. Letters have been sent to the various Ministries, Departments and Agencies for strict compliance and to note that any infraction will be prosecuted," the release titled 'Treatment of Unspent Balances of 2012 Personnel Votes' stated.