Nigerian-born Lt Victor Agunbiade honoured for honest and effective management of US Navy budget

NIGERIAN-born soldier Lt Victor Agunbiade has been awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Development Medal by the US Navy for his honest and judicious use of its largest ever overseas cash disbursement of $45m.

Lt Agunbiade, who joined the US Navy in 2008, is the disbursing officer of Camp Lemmonier, the US military base in the East African nation of Djibouti. After a recent audit of the accounts at the base, Lt Agunbiade was found to have effectively managed the money and was able to account for every penny spent.

According to the US Navy, an audit of the accounts showed there were no discrepancies. A report titled Meritorious Service While Serving as Disbursing Officer, Comptroller Department, Camp Lemmonier, Djibouti from October 2019 to July 2020 in Support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Overseas Contingency Freedom, praised Lt Agunbiade.

It read: “Demonstrating superior leadership, Lieutenant Agunbiade managed the navy’s largest cash disbursing office with $45m in cash transaction accounting for approximately 70% of the navy’s overseas disbursing volume. Additionally, he maintained 100% accountability of $23m across six rigorous inspections and independent audit with zero discrepancies.

“By his unswerving determination, wise judgment and complete dedication to duty, Lieutenant Agunbiade reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.”