BEVERLY HILLS, September 22, (THEWILL) – President Muhammadu Buhari has called on the National Assembly, particularly the Senate to expedite action on the passage of the Audit Bill pending before it, stating that the legislation would enhance transparency and accountability across all ministries, departments and agencies, MDAs.
Speaking during the launch of the 2017-2022 Strategic Development Plan, SDP, organised by the Office of the Auditor-General of the Federation, OAuGF, he stated that the Audit Bill was key to national development as it promotes fiscal discipline and transparency, as well as provides the means to curb the menace of corruption in all public sectors.
Buhari, who was represented by the Minister of Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun, at the launch of the plan in Abuja on Friday, described the 2017-2022 SDP as an instrument for effective and efficient operations in public offices.
While harping on the need for the OAuGF to be totally independent to enhance its effectiveness, he stated that the Federal Government was working hard to build strong institutions across the country to enhance economic growth.
The President said the plan “would equally enhance financial independence of the Audit office and insulate it from external influence and indirect control”.
He assured that his administration remained committed to building a future for Nigerians, vowing that he would not relent in the fight against corruption.
He advised the Auditor-General of the Federation, Anthony Anyine to expose his staff to sound training and capacity building programmes for proper management of the Audit Office.
In his remarks, Ayine hailed the House of Representatives that passed the Audit Bill, and expressed optimism that the Senate will quickly toe the same line.
He said the absence of a legal back up has robbed the Audit Office has the bite and force needed in ensuring good service delivery and prudent management of the nation’s resources.
He also noted that the major impediments to the nation’s progress were poor governance, waste, inefficiency, poor accountability and lack of transparency.
On the 2017-2022 SDP, Ayine stated that more support to plan would lead to significant development and better accountability in the polity.
In his remarks, the Chairman Senate Committee on Public Accounts Committee, Senator Emmanuel Uba assured that the as soon as the upper chamber resumes seating, the will be passed.
Uba who was represented by the public account committee member, Yahaya Abdulahi, stressed that the committee would partner with the Office of Auditor General of the Federation to realize the goals and objectives of the bill.
About the Author
