Lagos Assembly Begins Probe Of 2024 Audit Reports Of 20 LGAs, 37 LCDAs

The Lagos State House of Assembly has commenced the consideration of the 2024 Statutory Audit Inspection Report covering the accounts of the state’s 20 Local Government Areas (LGAs) and 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs).

The exercise is being conducted by the House Committee on Public Accounts (Local) and is expected to last two weeks, with the objective of strengthening accountability, transparency and prudent management of public resources at the grassroots level.

Officials from Alimosho, Amuwo-Odofin, Badagry, Ajeromi-Ifelodun, Ikeja, Oriade and Ifako-Ijaiye Local Government Councils appeared before the committee at the commencement of the exercise.

The Chairman of the committee, Hon. Prince Nureni Akinsanya, said the exercise was part of the committee’s statutory responsibility to scrutinise the Auditor-General for Local Governments’ report and ensure that public funds entrusted to the councils were properly accounted for.

Akinsanya said council chairmen and relevant officials would be expected to respond to outstanding issues raised in the audit report and provide documentary evidence to substantiate their submissions.

He stressed that the exercise was not aimed at witch-hunting any individual or council, but was designed to enable the committee to discharge its responsibilities objectively, transparently and without bias.

According to him, the committee would specifically examine how revenues accruing to the councils during the period under review were utilised and accounted for, while expenditures would also be subjected to detailed scrutiny.

“The exercise is not intended to witch-hunt anyone, but to enable the Committee to discharge its statutory responsibilities objectively, transparently and without bias,” Akinsanya said.

He added that the committee’s findings and recommendations would be submitted to the full House for consideration and appropriate action.

The chairman urged officials of the councils to cooperate with the committee by providing requested documents, financial records and explanations promptly throughout the exercise.

Members of the committee present at the commencement of the proceedings included Hon. Suraju Tijani, Hon. Bonu Solomon, Hon. Ganiyu Sanni, Hon. Ogundipe Stephen and Hon. Femi Saheed.

The remaining Local Government Areas and Local Council Development Areas are expected to appear before the committee as the consideration of the 2024 audit reports continues.