Jigawa Assembly orders recovery of missing funds, sanctions for erring officials

In a decisive move towards fiscal accountability, the Jigawa State House of Assembly has mandated the recovery of misappropriated public funds and called for stern sanctions against officials implicated in financial misconduct. This resolution follows a thorough review of audited accounts spanning from 2019 to 2024, uncovering significant irregularities that demand immediate attention.

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all unverifiable expenditures, overpayments, and unaccounted funds be recovered, while officers responsible for financial violations should be sanctioned in accordance with civil service rules and financial regulations.

The Public Accounts Committee, chaired by Mr. Sani Isyaku, presented a detailed report highlighting issues such as expenditures surpassing approved budgets, deficiencies in procurement processes, and inadequate revenue collection mechanisms within state government agencies. Furthermore, the report pointed to critical lapses at the local government level, including missing documentation, irregular payments, and poorly executed projects.

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Commissioners, Permanent Secretaries, Accounting Officers, Directors of Administration and Finance, and other relevant officials were invited by the committee to respond to unresolved audit queries.

The Assembly's directive underscores a commitment to transparency and prudent financial management. By demanding the recovery of all unverifiable expenditures and unaccounted funds, and advocating for disciplinary actions against responsible officers, the legislative body aims to reinforce accountability and ensure that public resources are utilized effectively for the benefit of Jigawa's citizens. This action sends a clear message that financial indiscipline will not be tolerated.

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The committee identified cases of overpayments, unaccounted cheques, and unverifiable expenditures. In such cases, the committee recommended recovery of funds and disciplinary action against responsible officers.