Transparency and Accountability Must Begin With Us

The Auditor-General for the Federation (AuGF) Mr. Anthony Mkpe Ayine has reminded Auditors-in-charge of State Branch offices of the need to appreciate the direction the Office of the Auditor-General for the Federation (OAuGF) is moving and key into its vision and mission.

Mr. Ayine made this pronouncement during the meeting between top management staff of the Office of the Auditor-General for the Federation (OAuGF) and Auditors-in-charge of State Branch offices at the Audit house in Abuja on Thursday, 13^th July, 2017.

He noted that State Offices were not created for mere formalities, but for them to be actively involved in carrying out the constitutional mandate of the OAuGF at the State level in all Federal Government establishments.

The Auditor-General reiterated the need for Auditors to operate within the tenet of their profession which include integrity, discipline, forthrightness and dedication to duty. These values according to him are essential for an auditor who wants to command the respect of his auditees.  He said one of the major priorities of the Office is to revamp the State Offices and situate them to deliver on the mandate of the Office. He therefore enjoined them to add value to their work.

Mr Ayine reminded them that the Office has a critical role to help Government make some savings by helping to block leakages and wastage of Government resources. He said when auditors produce quality reports they help to contribute to solving some of the security challenges in the country.

The Auditor-General spoke on the need for collaboration and partnership between the Headquarters and the States in carrying out audit inspections and writing of quality reports.

Speaking further the Auditor-General stressed on the need to close the communication gap between the Headquarters and the States. He insisted that there must be interface. He also revealed some of the measures the Office is taking to address the lapse. According to him e-learning training will soon be introduced for auditors to enrich, equip and educate them in the effective discharge of their duties. He advised them to start working towards on-line means of communication.

Mr Ayine said ‘though the Office faces the challenge of funding is huge, we are not daunted’. He therefore advised them to take personal interest in managing judiciously public trusts.

Ogunmosunle, O.A

DD (Media & Public Relations)

14^th July, 2017