The Lagos Assembly audit of LGs and LCDAs begins in Ikeja, targeting transparency, fiscal discipline and stronger accountability across local councils

The Lagos State House of Assembly has commenced a comprehensive audit of the accounts of 20 Local Government Areas and 37 Local Council Development Areas in a decisive move to strengthen accountability and transparency at the grassroots level.

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The exercise was formally declared open on Wednesday by Nureni Akinsanya, Chairman of the House Committee on Public Accounts (Local), at the Lateef Jakande Hall within the Assembly Complex in Ikeja.

Akinsanya said the Lagos Assembly audit of LGs and LCDAs was aimed at promoting prudent management of public funds while ensuring strict adherence to due process by council officials across the state.

He explained that the audit was being conducted in line with Section 52 of the Local Government Administration Law 2024 and Rule 116 of the Standing Orders of the Lagos State House of Assembly, giving the committee clear legislative authority to scrutinise council finances.

According to Akinsanya, the review would identify procedural lapses where they exist and offer corrective guidance to improve financial administration at the local level.

“This exercise is very important to check records and ascertain whether things are done correctly or wrongly,” Akinsanya said.

“Where there are errors, corrections will be made, and officials will be properly guided on the right course of action.”

He expressed confidence that the process would deliver meaningful outcomes, particularly by addressing anomalies and reinforcing compliance with established financial regulations by local government chairmen and other officials.

The committee chairman disclosed that the audit would include a critical examination of the 2023 report of the Auditor-General for Local Governments, stressing that the review would be conducted objectively and without fear or favour.

Officials expected to appear before the committee include council chairmen and vice chairmen, council leaders, executive committee members, council managers, treasurers and other key administrative officers.

Akinsanya assured that the committee’s findings and recommendations would be presented to the House at the conclusion of the exercise, paving the way for further legislative action where necessary.

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The News Agency of Nigeria reported that Epe Local Government Area, Ikoyi-Obalende Local Council Development Area, Ifelodun LCDA, Agboyi-Ketu LCDA and Ojo Local Government Area were the first councils audited under the programme.