BY: AYO AGBEOLUWAYE

The Lagos State House of Assembly has commenced auditing exercise covering the state’s 20 Local Government Areas (LGAs) and 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) as part of efforts to strengthen accountability at the grassroots.

Declaring the exercise open, Speaker Mudashiru Obasa represented by the chairman House Committee on public account (Local),Hon.Nureni Akinsanya noted the audit is aimed at promoting transparency, accountability and the prudence management of public funds across the local government. 

He explained that the exercise was being conducted pursuant to Section 52 of the Local Government Administration Law 2024 and Rule 116 of the Standing Orders of the Lagos State House of Assembly.

He noted that the committee had commenced work and expressed confidence that the exercise would achieve its objectives, particularly in correcting anomalies identified and ensuring that local government chairmen and other officials comply with due process.

Akinsanya further disclosed that the committee would critically examine the 2023 report of the Auditor-General for Local Governments, stressing that the review would be carried out objectively and without fear or favour.

He added that officials expected to appear before the committee include chairmen and vice chairmen of local governments, council leaders, members of executive committees, council managers, treasurers, and other key officials.

Correspondent reports that Epe Local Government, Ikoyi-Obalende LCDA, Ifelodun LCDA, Agboyi-Ketu LCDA, and Ojo Local Government were the first councils audited.