The Lagos State House of Assembly Public Accounts Committee (State) on Monday commenced the review of the Auditor-General’s 2024 Report on the financial activities of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) in the state.
Declaring the exercise open at the Lateef Jakande Complex, Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Kehinde Joseph, said the oversight role of the Legislature remains essential to ensuring that government agencies deliver value for money and comply with relevant laws, regulations, and ethical standards.
Joseph explained that Sections 125 and 129 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) empower the Committee to review, monitor, and supervise the financial operations of state agencies. He added that the law also authorises the Committee to summon any individual to present evidence or documents necessary for the audit review.
According to him, the Committee’s work is central to promoting transparency, accountability, and probity in the management of public resources.
“This exercise is not a witch-hunt. It is an opportunity to identify weaknesses within our systems and strengthen them to prevent future occurrences,” he said. “We expect full cooperation from the heads of all indicted MDAs as we examine issues raised in the Auditor-General’s Report.”
Hon. Joseph noted that the Committee will scrutinise capital expenditures to ensure alignment with budgetary provisions, review financial records for compliance, and assess project management practices across MDAs. He added that fixed asset registers, abandoned projects, and value-for-money issues will also come under review.
“We must ensure that Lagosians get full value for every public investment,” he added. “This process will help deepen transparency and improve governance outcomes across the state.”
The PAC Chairman emphasised that the exercise is a crucial element of the Assembly’s efforts to meet public expectations for accountability and improve service delivery.
He expressed appreciation to the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, for providing the leadership and support needed for the Committee to carry out its mandate. He also commended members of the Committee for their diligence and commitment.
Hon. Joseph clarified that the current review focuses on the 2024 budget cycle, as audited by the Office of the Auditor-General, and differs from the process of budget appropriation.
“Appropriation concerns future spending, but what we are doing now is a review of past spending,” he said. “If an MDA has judiciously spent the funds previously allocated, it encourages us to consider its future budgetary needs. If not, we will reassess and redirect funds to agencies that can demonstrate effective utilisation.”
He stressed that the exercise is meant to assist government performance, noting that the Assembly must verify that projects reportedly executed by MDAs were indeed completed according to specifications.
“We were elected to represent the people. If 75 to 80 percent of planned projects are not delivered, we must intervene. Anyone found culpable will face the laws that govern public finance, including provisions of the audit laws, financial regulations, and anti-corruption statutes,” he warned.
The review exercise is ongoing, with heads of MDAs expected to appear before the Committee in the coming days.