NCE SECRETARY REAFFIRMS COMPLIANCE WITH PRIME MINISTER’S INSTRUCTIONS AND DENIES APPROVAL OF PAYMENT LISTS

MEDIA RELEASE

Approved for release by Department of Finance

Mr Sam Penias,

Secretary

Dept Finance

Port Moresby

Saturday, 26 April 2025

Secretary for Finance, Mr Samuel Penias, has reaffirmed that the Department of Finance will not honour any payment instructions that are not consistent with the approved 2024 and 2025 National Budget Appropriations, in strict compliance with Prime Minister Hon. James Marape’s standing directive.

This clarification follows recent social media allegations concerning a purported list of outstanding payments titled “Prime Minister’s Commitments.” Secretary Penias categorically denied claims that the list was approved by the Prime Minister or his office.

“The Prime Minister’s Office has not approved the list currently circulating online,” Secretary Penias said. “The Department of Finance has not received any official instruction from the Prime Minister or his office to process these claims.”

He further advised that the document listing 34 companies is not official and Prime Minister Marape had issued a stern warning to him and Minister not to pay all these and focus on 2025 budget priorities.

Secretary Penias reiterated that all financial operations must be conducted strictly within the confines of the Public Finance Management Act, the Appropriation Acts, and established public financial procedures. Any payment request, regardless of its origin, that falls outside the formal 2024 or 2025 budget appropriations will not be honoured.

“As the Chief Accounting Officer under the Public Finance Management Act, I am fully cognisant of the need to ensure prudence, responsibility, and adherence to the rule of law in managing public finances,” Mr Penias said. “Instructions or requests outside of legitimate budgetary processes will not be honoured, whether they come from within or outside of Government.”

He cautioned the public and stakeholders not to heed unofficial information circulating in the public domain, noting that such material may be far from the reality of lawful and proper financial administration.

“We are committed to upholding public trust, enforcing budget discipline, and ensuring that all public expenditures are transparent, lawful, and aligned with national priorities,” Secretary Penias concluded.

The Department of Finance stands fully compliant with the Prime Minister’s directive and remains steadfast in its commitment to safeguarding the integrity of public funds.

ENDS