Okolie Rita Onyinyechukwu, FCA, is an accomplished finance professional, a transformational public sector leader, and one of Nigeria’s most distinguished voices in public financial management. Her career, spanning over two decades in the Federal Civil Service, reflects a track record of integrity, diligence, and commitment to national development.
Rita’s academic foundation is rooted in excellence. She obtained her Higher National Diploma (HND) in Accounting from The Polytechnic Ibadan, and proceeded to earn a Master of Science (M.Sc.) degree in Finance from the University of Calabar, of which provided her with both the technical and analytical grounding required for her progressive roles in financial management.
She is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), a Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Management (Chartered) (NIM), an Associate of the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN), and a Member of the Nigeria Institute of Training & Development (NITAD). Her commitment to strategic leadership was further solidified through her participation in the Policy Strategy and Leadership Course (PSLC) at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, in 2020.
Rita began her public service career in February 2002, when she joined the Federal Civil Service as an Assistant Executive Officer. With consistency, discipline, and a reputation for excellence, she rose through the ranks until her appointment as Director in January 2024. Over the years, she has served in several pivotal positions within the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation (OAGF).
Today, she leads as the Director, Federation Account Department, where she oversees the distribution and disbursement of revenue to the three tiers of government. She is responsible for ensuring that the federation’s finances are accounted for with accuracy, transparency, and strict adherence to statutory guidelines. Her role is central to Nigeria’s fiscal stability, and she carries it out with commendable diligence and strategic foresight.
Her outstanding service has earned her numerous honours, including:
· Distinguished Female Tax Administrator, Society of Women in Taxation (SWIT), 2025.
· GARKUWAN GAMJI, Arewa Gamji Emirate Royal Council (2025)
· Distinguished Public Service Award, Nigerian Economic Society (NES), 2025.
· Award of Excellence in Overall Outstanding Performance, Office of the Accountant General of the Federation (OAGF), 2024.
· Icon of Humanitarian Services, North East Peace Development Initiative (NEPDI), 2024.
Beyond her official duties, Rita is widely admired for her warmth, humility, and approachability. While she embodies professionalism at the highest level, she is also known for her ability to connect with people in simple, meaningful ways. Her leadership style is deeply human, she listens, she encourages, and she treats everyone with respect regardless of rank or position.
Away from the office, Rita is a woman grounded in family and love. She is happily married and blessed with wonderful children, who form the core of her motivation and joy. She balances her demanding career with grace, ensuring that her home remains a place of stability, warmth, and support. Those close to her often admire how she maintains her gentle nature, nurturing spirit, and sense of humor, even with the weight of national responsibilities on her shoulders.
In all, Okolie Rita Onyinyechukwu, FCA, is a model of ethical leadership, servant-hearted excellence, and family-centered values. She continues to inspire many through her service, her character, and her commitment to nation-building.
Schedule Of Duties/ The Federation Account Department
The Federation Account Department is responsible for maintaining and disbursing revenue that has accrued to the Federation Account to the three tiers of government in line with the formula and approved indices. It is also responsible for the reconciliation of the Federation Revenue and disbursement from the Federation Account as clearly stated under section 162 (1-9) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) Cap 15 of the laws of the Federal Government of Nigeria, and section 1 of the Financial Regulation.
The Department is the vein of the Treasury and the ‘heart beat’ of the Nation due to its strategic position of being responsible for the operation of the main Account of Government of the Federation. The Department is also the custodian of Special Accounts of the Federation namely:-
- Development of Natural Resources Fund
- Ecology and Derivation fund
- Stabilization fund
- Excess Crude Saving Account etc.