The Nigerian Senate has taken a strong stance by suspending the 2025 budget defence for the Office of the Auditor General for the Federation (OAGF). This decision was made after the Auditor General, S.K. Chira, and his team appeared before the Senate Committee on Public Accounts with poorly prepared and inconsistent budget documents.
The Senate Committee on Public Accounts, chaired by Senator Ahmed Wadada, expressed deep disappointment with the Auditor General’s lack of preparation. During the session, it was discovered that the budget document Chira was presenting did not match the copies provided to committee members. This glaring discrepancy raised serious concerns about the credibility of the office’s budget.
Adding to the frustration, Chira was unable to answer key questions about the 2024 budget performance of his office. The committee described his presentation as unprofessional and unacceptable.
The Senate has made it clear that the OAGF must fix its mistakes immediately if it hopes to secure funding in the 2025 budget. Senator Wadada emphasized the urgency, stating that Chira could return within two hours if properly prepared. However, the January 22, 2025, deadline for budget defences is non-negotiable.
If the OAGF fails to meet this deadline, it risks receiving no budget allocation for 2025. The Senate aims to complete the budget process in time for the Committee on Appropriation to harmonize reports from all committees.
The Office of the Auditor General plays a critical role in ensuring accountability and transparency in public spending. Poor preparation from such an important office not only undermines trust but also raises questions about its ability to perform its duties effectively.
The Senate’s decision to halt the budget defence sends a strong message about the importance of professionalism and accountability in managing public funds.
As the January 22 deadline approaches, all eyes are on the Auditor General and his team. Will they rise to the occasion and correct their mistakes in time? This incident underscores the importance of diligence and preparation in government processes, especially when it comes to managing taxpayer funds.
