Why Lagos Assembly Is Reviewing Auditor-General’s 2023 Report

The Lagos State House of Assembly has given reasons for its commencement of the consideration of the report detailing financial activities of ministries, departments and agencies and compiled by the office of the state Auditor-General.

Chairman of the House committee on Public Accounts for State, Hon. Kehinde Joseph, made the disclosure noting that the exercise would be conducted and the report presented to the Assembly for further action.

He, however, said the committee was not embarking on a witch-hunt, but working in line with provisions of the constitution.

“We are committed to ensuring transparency, accountability, and probity in the management of public funds and resources.

“The exercise, which will cover the period from January 1 to December 31, 2023, will review the economic activities of all ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) in Lagos State,” he said adding that the committee was acting in consonance with the need for improved efficiency and best practices.

Hon. Joseph said heads of indicted MDAs would be invited to clarify queries raised in the Auditor-General’s report while the committee would ascertain completion, accuracy, and reliability of financial transactions.

The committee’s job would further involve confirming compliance with financial regulations, legislations, and accounting standards as well as checking for revenue and budget performances of all MDAs.

The committee is to further focus on key areas including fixed asset register, unretired payment vouchers, abandoned projects, unreceipted payment vouchers, MDAs non-compliance with financial regulations, and redundant agencies.

Hon. Joseph said the committee would work with the consciousness of public expectations which he described as high.

“The House of Assembly, under the leadership of the Rt. Hon. (Dr) Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa, is committed to building on previous foundations laid for the development of our State. We cannot afford to disappoint our electorate,” he said.