The Lagos State House of Assembly has commenced a comprehensive audit of all 57 local councils in the state, comprising 20 Local Government Areas (LGAs) and 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs).
Peak Newspaper Nigeria reports that the audit aims to ensure accountability and prudent management of public funds at the grassroots level.
This was disclosed by Hon. Prince Nureni Akinsanya, Chairman of the House Committee on Public Accounts (Local), at the Assembly Complex.
Speaking on behalf of the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, Hon. Akinsanya stated that the committee will present its findings to the House upon completion of the audit exercise.
Hon. Akinsanya emphasized the constitutional basis for the audit, stating, “The essence of this exercise is to allow the committee to thoroughly review the 2022 report of the Auditor-General for Local Governments without bias, especially towards any council indicted by the Auditor-General’s office.”
He further directed officials from all 57 LGs/LCDAs to provide the necessary documentation, including their approved 2022 budgets, bank statements, and other relevant records as detailed in the Auditor-General’s report.
The House Committee, which began the audit on Monday, has scrutinized the financial records of several councils, including Isolo, Apapa, Amuwo-Odofin, Lagos Island, Yaba, Lagos Mainland, Eti-Osa, Ikosi-Isheri, Coker-Aguda, Ifelodun, Ajeromi-Ifelodun, Agboyi-Ketu, Agege, Eti-Osa East, Ikeja, Eti-Osa East, Ikoyi-Obalende, Surulere, Iba and Ojodu.
Officials participating in the audit include the chairmen and vice chairmen of the councils, council managers, treasurers, internal auditors, legal officers, among others.
