By Opeyemi Adelakun
The Lagos State House of Assembly has commenced a detailed review of the 2024 financial records of the state’s 20 Local Government Areas and 37 Local Council Development Areas.
The exercise, being conducted by the House Committee on Public Accounts (Local), is expected to last two weeks and focuses on the councils’ financial activities for the year ended December 31, 2024.
Officials from Alimosho, Amuwo-Odofin, Badagry, Ajeromi-Ifelodun, Ikeja, Oriade and Ifako-Ijaiye local councils appeared before the committee at the commencement of the exercise.
The committee is examining revenue generation, expenditure and the management of public funds by the councils to assess compliance with financial rules and promote accountability at the grassroots.
Chairman of the committee, Prince Nureni Akinsanya, said the exercise formed part of the House’s statutory responsibility to examine the Auditor-General for Local Governments’ report.
Akinsanya said council chairmen and relevant officials would be required to respond to outstanding issues identified in the audit report and submit documentary evidence to support their explanations.
He stressed that the review was not designed to witch-hunt any council or individual but to ensure that the committee carried out its responsibilities objectively and transparently.
According to him, the committee would pay particular attention to whether revenues received by the councils were properly accounted for and judiciously utilised.
Council expenditures will also be subjected to detailed scrutiny, with the committee expected to submit its findings and recommendations to the full House for consideration and appropriate action.
Akinsanya urged officials of the councils and LCDAs to cooperate with the committee by providing requested financial records, documents and explanations promptly.
Members of the committee present at the commencement of the exercise included Suraju Tijani, Bonu Solomon, Ganiyu Sanni, Ogundipe Stephen and Femi Saheed.
Other local governments and LCDAs are expected to appear before the committee as the consideration of the 2024 audit reports continues.
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