Auditor-General raises concerns over weak internal controls in govt institutions

Nigeria's Auditor-General for the Federation, Dr. Shaakaa Chira, has expressed significant concerns regarding ongoing weaknesses in accountability and financial management across various government institutions. He cited issues such as inadequate internal controls, capacity limitations among staff, and a tendency for some Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to delay responses to audit observations.

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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.

Dr. Chira explained in an interview that these weak accountability structures pose a major obstacle to ensuring compliance with financial regulations. He noted that the sheer scale of government operations, often outpacing the resources available for oversight, further complicates efforts to enforce compliance and safeguard public funds. Despite these challenges, his office remains committed to engaging with MDAs and providing guidance to improve accountability mechanisms.

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Another challenge is the scale of government operations relative to available resources for oversight.

In response to these persistent issues, the Office of the Auditor-General for the Federation has been actively working to bolster its capacity and effectiveness since Dr. Chira assumed office. This includes intensifying capacity-building programs for auditors, enhancing forensic audit capabilities, promoting adherence to international auditing standards, and fostering stronger collaborations with key stakeholders like the National Assembly, professional bodies, and development partners.

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Nevertheless, we continue to engage MDAs, provide professional guidance and advocate stronger accountability mechanisms to improve compliance and safeguard public resources.

The office is also implementing its Strategic Plan for 2024-2028, which aims to elevate audit quality, improve institutional effectiveness, and promote greater accountability in the management of public resources. These initiatives reflect a concerted effort to address systemic weaknesses and enhance transparency in Nigeria's public sector financial management.

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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.