Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has urged federal and state auditors-general to collaborate and build a robust accountability ecosystem that limits corruption practices in Nigeria’s public service.
According to the Lagos State governor, represented by Obafemi Hamzat, his deputy, this is necessary in view of the pivotal role auditors-general play in safeguarding the integrity of public institutions.
Sanwo-Olu spoke at the 54th bi-annual conference of the body of federal and state auditors-general, held in Lagos between Wednesday, May 21, and Saturday, May 24, with the theme, “Nigerian accountability ecosystem: Leveraging on performance audit for effective governance and transparency.”
The governor noted that sharing best practices, harmonising audit standards, and investing in capacity building would enhance public institutions’ ability to detect inefficiencies and promote transparency.
He believed that without accountability, governance would become opaque, allowing corruption to thrive, and that auditors-general, as custodians of public funds, must up their game.
While also advocating the adoption of a technology-driven approach in performance auditing, the governor said: “Leveraging technology, such as data analytics, real-time monitoring, and blockchain, can revolutionise the audit process, making it more efficient and less susceptible to manipulation.”
Sanwo-Olu described performance audit as a powerful tool that goes beyond traditional financial auditing to assess whether government programmes and projects are achieving their intended objectives efficiently and effectively.
He added that by focusing on outcomes rather than just inputs, performance audits provide actionable insights that can drive improvements in governance.
Sanwo-Olu urged auditors-general from 32 states of the federation, who attended the conference, to embrace innovation in audit methodologies, foster inter-agency and inter-governmental cooperation, while also making a case for stronger legal frameworks that empower auditors.
Earlier at the event, Shaakaa Chira, the auditor-general of the federation, represented by Damilola Olorunnegan, director of audit, extra ministerial audit department, made a case for the continuous training of auditors, and the amendment of the constitution to strengthen auditors-general role.
Muyiwa Adetola, the auditor-general of Lagos State/permanent secretary, in his welcome address, said the conference provided a platform for auditors to discuss and share best practices, as well as explore innovative approaches to enhance auditing practices.
