Auditor-General flags weak accountability across MDAs

Nigeria's Auditor-General for the Federation, Dr. Shaakaa Chira, has voiced serious concerns regarding persistent shortcomings in accountability and financial oversight within government institutions. He pointed to a combination of weak internal control systems, insufficient capacity among staff, and a general reluctance by some Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to address audit observations promptly as major obstacles.

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One of the major challenges is the persistence of weak internal control systems in some public institutions. In certain cases, there are also capacity gaps, delays in responding to audit observations and inadequate appreciation of the importance of compliance with established regulations.

Chira explained that the sheer scale of government operations, coupled with limited resources for effective oversight, further complicates the enforcement of financial regulations. Despite these challenges, his office is actively engaging with MDAs, offering professional guidance, and advocating for more robust accountability mechanisms to protect public funds.

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Another challenge is the scale of government operations relative to available resources for oversight. Nevertheless, we continue to engage MDAs, provide professional guidance and advocate stronger accountability mechanisms to improve compliance and safeguard public resources.

To bolster transparency and accountability, the Auditor-General's office has focused on strengthening its own institutional capacity since Chira assumed office. This includes intensifying training programs for auditors, enhancing forensic audit capabilities, promoting adherence to international auditing standards, and fostering closer collaboration with key stakeholders such as the National Assembly, professional bodies, and development partners. The office is also implementing its Strategic Plan 2024–2028 to elevate audit quality and institutional effectiveness in managing public resources.

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Since assuming office, we have focused on strengthening the capacity of the Office of the Auditor-General for the Federation to effectively discharge its constitutional mandate.