By Nkechi Eze
The Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, SAN, has emphasized the urgent need for subnational governments to adopt and institutionalize global best practices in financial management to curb mismanagement and enhance accountability.
Demola Bakare fsi- the commission’s spokesperson in a signed statement disclosed that Dr. Aliyu made the call in a goodwill message delivered at the launch of the Subnational Audit Efficacy (SAE) Index 2024 Report, themed “Strengthening Accountability Measures Through Technology for Resilient and Sustainable Subnational Development in Nigeria.” The event, organized by the Paradigm Leadership Support Initiative (PLSI), was held in Abuja on Thursday.
Represented by ICPC Deputy Director Mr. Okor Odey, the Chairman commended PLSI for its timely and impactful initiative in producing the SAE Index.
He noted that such efforts significantly bolster the fight against corruption and promote greater accountability at the subnational level.
Dr. Aliyu reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with anti-corruption civil society organizations, particularly PLSI, to promote transparency, accountability, and good governance across Nigeria.
He emphasized the need for sustained partnerships among government agencies, CSOs, and development partners to effectively combat corruption and enhance public sector efficiency.
The ICPC Chairman while highlighting the need for continuous capacity building within state audit institutions, emphasized that enhanced training and knowledge transfer would equip auditors to perform their duties more effectively.
He also called for the strengthening of legal frameworks governing audit processes, ensuring state audit institutions have the authority and independence to operate optimally as well as urged state governments to prioritize digital transformation in their financial management systems.
According to him, leveraging advanced technologies would facilitate real-time auditing, enable automatic detection of financial anomalies, and encourage public participation in financial oversight.
Earlier in his remarks, the Founder and Executive Director of PLSI, Olusegun Elemo, underscored the critical role of technology in strengthening accountability mechanisms.
He highlighted the importance of fostering resilient and sustainable development at the subnational level and called for collective action to promote transparency and fiscal responsibility.
A major highlight of the event was the recognition and awards ceremony for states that demonstrated commitment to transparency by publishing their SAE Index 2023 reports. Honored states included Akwa Ibom, Gombe, Kaduna, Oyo, Katsina, Benue, Bauchi, Ondo, and Edo.
Osun, Bauchi, Akwa Ibom, Ekiti, and Yobe emerged as the top five performers in the SAE Index 2024 report, with Yobe State receiving the SAE Index 2024 Championship Award. These recognitions motivate other states to embrace best practices in audit processes and improve subnational financial management.
The event concluded with the official presentation of the SAE Index 2024 Report, which highlighted key findings and recommendations aimed at enhancing subnational audit efficacy.
The report provided valuable insights into the current state of financial accountability at the state level and called for alignment with global best practices in public financial management.
Notable attendees included the Accountant General of the Federation, Shamsedden Babatunde Ogunjimi, represented by Mr. Daniel O.; the Auditor General for the Federation, Shaakaa Kanyitor Chira; and the Director-General of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, Dr. Abdulateef Shittu, represented by Alhaji Ishiaka Mustapha. Also present were the Governor of Yobe State, H.E. Hon. Mai Mala Buni (CON), represented by Hon. Bulama Bukar, Chairman of the House Committee on Public Accounts; as well as Auditors-General from Adamawa, Yobe, Bauchi, Akwa Ibom, Gombe, Katsina, Osun, Jigawa, Benue, and Edo states.
The robust representation at the event underscored the growing commitment to improving audit practices and ensuring financial integrity across Nigeria’s subnational entities.
