The Auditor General for the Federation, Shaakaa Chira, has emphasised the crucial role of efficient public resource management in fostering a culture of enduring public accountability. Speaking at the National Workshop on Trends in Public Sector Accounting, Auditing, and Public Sector Reforms in Lagos, organised by the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of the House of Representatives in collaboration with the Office of the Auditor General for the Federation, Chira outlined his vision for enhanced public sector performance.
“Improved efficiency in the management of our public resources is a panacea for entrenching an enduring culture of public accountability,” Chira stated. He highlighted a series of reforms initiated since his assumption of duties, aiming to reposition the Office of the Auditor General for the Federation (OAuGF) for efficient service delivery.
Chira underscored the importance of timely submission of quality audit reports to the National Assembly (NASS) to facilitate effective oversight as mandated by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended). He praised the collaborative effort with the PAC, stating, “It was very easy for the Chairman, PAC (House of Representatives) and I to agree on the need to organise this workshop to further entrench a culture of prudent management of our nation’s financial resources.”
He expressed his determination to transform the OAuGF into a model institution that commands public confidence through professional conduct of audits and periodic checks. “I see this workshop as a win-win situation for key stakeholders who are desirous of strengthening our public accountability,” he added.
Chira addressed concerns from auditees, stemming from his experience rising through the ranks to his current position. He referenced his first circular issued as Auditor General, which centralised the issuance of audit engagement letters. This move aims to track audit conduct and ensure timely report submissions while reducing multiple audit visits to a single agency within a year. “Any letter for audit assignment not signed by me should not be honoured,” he asserted, encouraging agencies to contact him in case of doubt.
He assured participants that special teams may be set up for specific projects or programmes, leading to special reports submitted to the National Assembly.
Regarding the workshop, Chira emphasised the selection of resource persons with considerable on-the-job experience to keep participants abreast of violations constituting audit queries and appropriate reporting frameworks for MDAs. He also highlighted recent circulars on the submission of stand-alone annual financial statements by MDAs from 2023, with resource persons available to address related concerns.
In conclusion, Chira urged participants to engage actively and take advantage of the opportunity to interact with key figures such as the Chairman of the PAC, the Auditor General, and Accounting Officers. He expressed confidence that the workshop would lead to improved efficiency in managing public resources, further entrenching a culture of public accountability.
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