Written by Lawal Jamiu A.

Members of the Ogun State House of Assembly Committee on Public Accounts and Anti-Corruption (PAAC), chaired by Hon. Damilare Bello, today commenced the consideration of the Year 2024 Audit Report on State Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), beginning with the Ministry of Information and Strategy.

In his opening remarks, Hon. Bello described the exercise as part of a vital legislative oversights aimed at strengthening transparency, accountability and prudent management of public resources for the benefit of the people of the State.

He stated that the exercise was constitutionally grounded, noting that “Section 125(5) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) empowers the House of Assembly to scrutinize the financial operations of all Ministries, Departments and Agencies.”

The Committee Chairman also commended the State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, for his commitment to accountability and development under the ISEYA Agenda; while appreciating the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Elemide Oludaisi Olusegun, the State Auditor-General, especially on the improvements recorded in the 2024 Audit Report as evidence that the previous legislative recommendations were already yielding positive results.

Taking on the Management of the State Ministry of Information and Strategy led by the Permanent Secretary, Alhaji Waheed Adesina, the Committee admonished the Ministry to intensify efforts on its revenue generation drive; comply strictly with the recommendations of the Auditor-General, and submit supporting documents on expenses incurred on public enlightenment programmes for the year under consideration.

Responding, the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Adesina assured that all the documents requested would be provided in due course, thanking the Committee for its contributions towards promoting transparency and accountability.

In a similar vein, the State Health Insurance Agency, led by its Executive Secretary, Dr. Afolabi Dosummu, has been commended by the Committee for increasing health insurance enrollment and public enlightenment among the citizens of the State.

The Committee further advised the Agency to do more in expanding its coverage, submit evidence of expenses captured under unretired expenses, in the audit report; and adhere strictly to the advice of the Office of the Auditor-General in line with the audit report.

It also directed the Agency to submit full documentation and explanations on an overseas training on Advanced Strategy for Health Financing and Insurance to the Auditor-General’s Office and copy the Public Accounts and Anti-Corruption Committee.

On its part, the State Ministry of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs, led by its Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Funmi Baker, also took turn to have its report considered by the Committee with a directive to the Ministry to submit its full Fixed Asset Register and comply strictly with procurement laws as advised by the Auditor-General’s Office.