The Lagos State House of Assembly has initiated an audit of the accounts of 20 Local Government Areas (LGAs) and 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) as part of its efforts to strengthen accountability at the grassroots level.
Declaring it open on Wednesday, the Chairman of the House Committee on Public Accounts (Local), Nureni Akinsanya, made this announcement at the Lateef Jakande Hall, Assembly Complex, in Ikeja.
Akinsanya said the audit was to promote transparency, accountability, and prudent management of public funds across the local councils.
He explained that the exercise was conducted pursuant to Section 52 of the Local Government Administration Law 2024 and Rule 116 of the Standing Orders of the Lagos State House of Assembly.
According to him, the audit would help identify lapses where they exist and guide council officials on the proper procedures for administering public resources.
“This exercise is very important to check records and ascertain whether things are done correctly or wrongly.
“Where there are errors, corrections will be made, and officials will be properly guided on the right course of action,” Akinsanya said.
He expressed confidence that the exercise would achieve its objectives, particularly in correcting anomalies and ensuring that local government chairmen and other officials comply with due process.
Akinsanya further disclosed that the committee would critically examine the 2023 report of the Auditor-General for Local Governments.
The chairman stressed that the review would be carried out objectively and without fear or favour.
He added that officials expected to appear before the committee include chairmen and vice chairmen, council leaders, members of executive committees, council managers, treasurers, and other key officials of the council.
The committee chairman assured that, at the conclusion of the exercise, its findings and recommendations would be presented to the House for further legislative action.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Epe LGA, Ikoyi-Obalende LCDA, Ifelodun LCDA, Agboyi-Ketu LCDA, and Ojo LGA were the first councils to be audited.
(NAN)