The Lagos State House of Assembly commenced an investigation on Monday into ministries, departments, and agencies indicted in the 2023 Auditor General’s report.
The House Committee on Public Accounts (State), chaired by Kehinde Joseph, initiated the process when it summoned the first group of government officials to address issues raised in the report.
The exercise, titled “Consideration of the 2023 Auditor General’s Report on the Lagos State Government MDAs,” is scheduled to last for three days, covering economic activities from January 1 to December 31, 2023. The goal is to review and scrutinize the performance of all MDAs in the state.
Joseph emphasized the importance of the probe, stating that heads of the indicted MDAs would be asked to clarify the issues outlined in the report to improve service delivery. He added that the annual review was a vital exercise for ensuring transparency, accountability, and probity in the management of public funds and resources.
“The public account committee is empowered by the 1999 Constitution to review, monitor, and supervise government agencies, programmes, and activities,” Joseph said.
He referenced the relevant constitutional provisions (Section 125, Sub-section 2 and Section 129, Sub-section 1c), which grant the committee the authority to summon individuals for evidence and documentation, as well as the power to examine them.
Joseph stated that the committee’s objectives include ensuring the accuracy, reliability, and completeness of financial transactions, confirming compliance with financial regulations, and reviewing the financial performance and budget execution of each MDA.
He also outlined the committee’s intention to focus on capital expenditure budgets, reconciliation of financial records, and evaluating project management and control systems.
Additionally, the committee would scrutinize fixed asset registers to ensure proper recording and valuation of assets to prevent mismanagement and losses. Joseph highlighted the need to investigate and resolve abandoned projects, with a focus on maximizing public investment. The committee will also assess projects that have been delayed for an extended period.
He urged MDAs to remember the high public expectations placed upon them, noting that they have been recognized as a model of probity and accountability by other states. Joseph assured that findings from the probe and any resulting recommendations would be compiled and forwarded to the House of Assembly for further deliberation.
