Lagos charges auditors on accountability, transparency

Lagos State Government on Wednesday urged auditors in its civil service to ensure accountability and transparency in the discharge of their duties.

Newly appointed Lagos State Head of Service, Mr. Hakeem Muri-Okunola gave the charge at the inauguration of a retreat for auditors of local governments themed ‘Role of auditors in achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)’ at Lekki, Lagos.

Muri-Okunola said the 17 goals of the SDGs is no doubt a blueprint that will ensure better governance, a better life for all and sundry when resources are properly managed.

He the economic state of the country calls for diligence and a high sense of responsibility to auditors, who are resource keepers “expected to perform their roles with accountability and transparency.”

“The roles of auditors cannot be overemphasized. As we are, as government, business owners, auditing is about expenditure and is key to what the government can achieve at every level. We need you to double your efforts.”

“At this point in time in the year when public trust is bestowed to them, transparency and accountability from auditors part will in turn, help government serve the people better,” Muri-Okunola said.

Also speaking, Accountant-General for local governments in Lagos, Mrs. Adesumbo Abolarin called on the auditors to equip themselves with emerging skills in line with international best practices for better performance.

Abolarin, who noted that the 17 SDGs points aimed at addressing global challenges are no mere task to achieve, said auditors at the grassroots have a vital role to play.

“Problems start when basic amenities and opportunities of life are not available to human beings. These basic amenities are in most cases responsibility of the local governments. You may agree with me that auditors have a vital role.”

She urged auditors to have the interest of the society at heart in their discharge of duties, saying “unless the basic needs of humanity are met, the risk of more parts of the country degenerating into unrest is higher.”