Anambra State Auditor-General Commends Governor Soludo for Financial Transparency

Anambra State Auditor-General, Mr. Akosa Okocha, has praised Governor Chukwuma Soludo for the timely allocation of funds to facilitate the preparation of the state’s annual audit report.

This was done during the recent Audit Forum and Citizens Accountability Dialogue held in Awka, Anambra State,

Addressing the gathering, Okocha said, “This marks the first time in the history of Anambra State that funding has been provided explicitly for audit activities, enabling my office to conduct performance audits, inspections, peer reviews, and necessary maintenance for operational efficiency.”

Okocha noted the importance of these funds for his office to effectively perform its responsibilities and highlighted the need for further investments in staff training and the furnishing of a new government-built office, which has yet to be occupied.

“My office has consistently provided auditing services to the state, offering insights on financial statements and raising critical audit findings for legislative consideration and public awareness,” Okocha stated. “We aim to minimize the expectation gap in audits by ensuring that both the auditees and the citizens are aware of the financial management observations and recommendations.”

He noted that the dialogue’s primary objective was to foster interaction between key stakeholders in public fund administration and the citizens, shedding light on government activities, challenges in revenue generation, and audit issues from the previous year. Okocha expressed optimism that this engagement would help strengthen trust between the government and the public, enhancing perceptions of transparency and accountability within the state.

Despite these commendable efforts, serious accountability issues remain within Anambra State’s Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs). Okocha revealed that at least seven MDAs have failed to account for a staggering sum of ₦1,093,501,709.04. Furthermore, 29 agencies have not undergone any audit since their establishment, raising significant concerns regarding proper financial oversight.

The Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, Ministry of Transport, Anambra State Internal Revenue Service, Ministry of Health, and Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources were among those identified as having inadequate accounting practices, including improper record-keeping and unremitted taxes.

Okocha pointed out that many parastatals have not been audited as mandated by the 1999 Constitution and relevant laws. “Out of 50 statutory corporations and entities in the state, only 15 have their accounts audited up to the 2021/2022 period, with some overdue for audits dating back to 2012,” he disclosed.

According to the report, Anambra State Ministry of Housing and Urban Development has issues of non retirement of funds and others amounting to ₦37,824,478, State Ministry of Transport yet to properly account for ₦448,952,006.5 funds, Anambra State Internal Revenue Service (AiRS) has different audit issues to the tune of ₦51,012,375, including not having an internal auditor, while the State Ministry of Health faces audit issues valued at ₦183,351,966.49.

Additionally, Anambra State Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources (formerly ministry of tertiary education) was unable to properly account for about ₦137,724,550 used for various purposes, while the sum of ₦40,000,000 spent by the ministry of information and public enlightenment was not properly retired, just as Transport Corporation of Anambra State (Tracas) audited issues was put at ₦240,546,333.05.

He confirmed that his office is collaborating with the State House of Assembly to implement measures that would halt funding for MDAs that fail to respond adequately to audit queries.

Renowned academic Professor Patrick Egbunike of Unizik Awka, who delivered a lecture entitled “Audit as a tool for State development,” emphasized the important role of auditors in governance, advocating for enhanced training to improve their capacity in maintaining fiscal accountability and promoting transparency in public finances. Another speaker, Professor Anthony Agu, represented by Dr Ekene Adokwe, in his paper titled, “Public Finance and Accountability in Democracy,” called for a review of existing laws to impose stricter penalties for financial misconduct, suggesting the establishment of special anti-corruption courts to expedite the prosecution of such cases.

“It is also necessary to publicize the consequences of financial misconduct to enhance the deterrent effect and restore public confidence in anti-corruption measures,” he added.

Various stakeholders, including representatives from civil society organizations, affirmed the critical need for the Anambra State Anti-Corruption Law and encouraged active community involvement in monitoring public project budgets and outcomes.

A representative of CSOs, Ugochi Freeman called for passage and assent to Anambra State Anti Corruption law with a view to ensuring that corrupt practices were curbed and defaulters punished lawfully.

She added that this ongoing dialogue and the revelations from the audit report illustrate both the state’s commitment to financial transparency and the significant challenges that remain in ensuring accountability across its public agencies.

Olusola Akintonde