Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Taiwo Amodu
Published on 2024-04-12 23:14:07
The Senate has resolved to investigate the financial records of 774 federal agencies following queries raised in the 2019 report of the Auditor General for the Federation. Senator Aliyu Wadada, Chairman of the Senate Public Account Committee (SPAC), confirmed this on Friday, emphasizing that the goal is to promote fiscal discipline rather than conduct a witch hunt. He also discussed plans to amend the 2007 Procurement Act with the support of the Presidency to combat financial mismanagement.
Senator Wadada emphasized the importance of having a substantive Auditor General for the Federation (AuGF) and expressed appreciation for President Tinubu’s response to his request for the appointment. He noted that the Senate, with the Presidency’s support, would work on amending the 2007 Procurement Act to tackle financial malpractices.
In his role as Chairman of the Senate Public Account Committee, Senator Wadada highlighted the need for accountability and transparency in the management of public funds. He stated that the committee’s focus is on identifying past mistakes, understanding how they occurred, and implementing measures to prevent their recurrence.
Acknowledging the challenges faced, Senator Wadada underlined the committee’s commitment to its sensitive and strategic responsibilities. He emphasized the importance of not undermining public trust by disclosing every detail from the Auditor General’s reports. Their efforts aim to address issues of financial mismanagement in government agencies and foster accountability.
The committee is actively engaging with heads of ministries, departments, and agencies of the Federal Government to address queries raised in the 2019 Auditor General’s report. They are reviewing the financial transactions of revenue-generating agencies like the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) and the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), among others. The scrutiny covers the financial practices of 774 MDAs to ensure prudent use of allocated funds.
Senator Wadada emphasized the necessity of amending the 2007 Procurement Act to align with current economic realities and curb corruption. He stressed the importance of self-discipline among leaders and the need to prioritize ethical conduct in official duties. By instilling a fear of God in their actions, he believed that leaders can overcome corrupt tendencies and uphold the values set by Nigeria’s founding fathers.
In conclusion, Senator Wadada reiterated the committee’s dedication to transparency and accountability in public fund management. They plan to compile reports on a quarterly basis and make them public after Senate adoption. Through their efforts, they aim to address financial irregularities, promote fiscal responsibility, and uphold the integrity of government institutions.
Read the original article on Nigerian Tribune
