Proper internal control and internal audit is essential for accountability

The Auditor – General for the Federation, Mr Anthony Mkpe Ayine has proposed strict adherence to internal control and internal audit in the accounting system of the Federal Capital Territory to help strengthen the internal control. Mr. Anthony Mkpe Ayine made this proposal when he paid a courtesy call on the Minister of Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Mallam Mohammed Musa Bello on Friday, 17th February, 2017. Mr. Anthony Ayine said the purpose of the visit include the sustenance of existing cordial relationship between the two organizations. He pointed out that with the magnitude of the financial transactions that take place in the Federal Capital Territory Authority, FCTA; there is need for the re - introduction of Resident Federal Auditors in the FCTA including the need for monthly rendition of internal audit report to the Office of the Auditor – General for the Federation in accordance with extant rules and regulations.

The Auditor – General said these moves will help to strengthen the internal control system in the FCTA, ensure effective performance of statutory functions and improve accountability and transparency in government. The Auditor – General implored the FCT Minister to facilitate the immediate submission of the 2015 consolidated financial statements for the FCTA which should have been submitted since May, 2016. Mr Ayine appealed for steps to be taken by FCTA to approve an exit gate and parking lot for the Office to ameliorate the present challenges of a single narrow entry and exit gate and parking difficulties. The FCT Minister, Mallam Mohammed Musa Bello in his response welcome the support for strengthening the internal audit control of the FCT with Resident Auditors who will be able to guide in the adoption of prudent financial management strategy to improve accountability.

He said the FCT is saddled with lots of challenges considering the growing population of the FCT, but noted that his office was doing everything within its capacity and financial resources to meet up with the nature of services that has to be rendered to the citizens. On the request for the possibility of a second access road to the office complex and a parking lot, the Honorable Minister urged the office put up a formal request to the FCT. He gave assurance that once the letter is received officials will be dispatched to look into the requests. The visit is the first by the Auditor – General for the Federation since his assumption of duty.

 

Ogunmosunle, O A

DD (Media & Public Relations)

OAuGF