The Ogun State House of Assembly Committee on Public Accounts and Anti-Corruption has commenced the review of the 2023 audit reports of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability in public spending.
The Committee urged heads of MDAs to actively participate in the exercise, which aims to assess whether public funds have been utilized efficiently and in line with established financial regulations.
Leading the review process at the Assembly Complex in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, the Committee Chairman, Hon. Damilare Bello, underscored the importance of financial scrutiny in ensuring value for money and preventing resource mismanagement.
During the session, the audit reports of the State Ministry of Information and Strategy and the Ogun State Technical and Vocational Education Board (OGSTVEB) came under examination.
Hon. Bello reaffirmed that the Committee’s mandate, as outlined in Section 125 (5) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), is to oversee financial statements, audit reports, and government expenditures.
He stressed that the review process is not intended to target individuals or undermine government operations but rather to strengthen fiscal discipline, prevent financial leakages, and ensure adherence to due process in the execution of government policies and projects.
Appealing for cooperation from all MDAs, Bello warned that non-compliance with the Committee’s directives could lead to further actions.
He specifically urged the Ministry of Information and Strategy, represented by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Communication, Hon. Kayode Akinmade, to secure additional financial approvals to meet its capital expenditure needs.
Additionally, the House Committee requested that the Ministry’s Director of Finance, Mr. Olawale Abijo, submit a revised financial report within 48 hours, incorporating bank reconciliation details, an updated list of equipment, and capital expenditures in alignment with the audited accounts.
In response, Hon. Akinmade acknowledged the Committee’s role in promoting financial responsibility and assured that all necessary documents would be provided.
He also reiterated the Ministry’s commitment to securing more funds to support its capital projects for the ongoing financial year.
The Committee also reviewed the audit report of OGSTVEB, directing the Board to submit supporting documents related to school maintenance and equipment purchases.
The required documents, along with any necessary financial record corrections, must be presented to the Committee by Friday, February 28, 2024, at 10:00 AM.###
Dele Ogunleye.
