FG Urged To Review Social Investment Policies, Programmes

The federal government has been urged to urgently review the operation of its social investment and humanitarian programmes in order to enhance achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals, SDGs.

The Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilesa, Prof. Taiwo Asaolu gave the charge on Monday in Ede, Osun State, at the 53rd biannual conference of body of Auditors General.

At the conference tagged “Supreme Audit Institution and achievement of government priorities”, members of the body from across the States of the federation converge on Ede, to brainstorm on policy and program formulation for the professional Institution.

In his keynote presentation, Prof. Asaolu charged the federal government to implement Moscow declaration on Sustainable Development Goals, SDGs to end poverty and hunger in Nigeria.

He identified lack of funds as a major challenge hindering the achievement of SDGs.

“The federal government should expidite the process of reviewing its social investment and humanitarian programmes, review operations of the programmes as soon as possible in order to enhance achievement of the SDGs

“The offices of the auditors general across the federation should accelerate actions on the implementation of Moscow declaration on Sustainable Development Goals, SDGs to to end poverty and hunger everywhere.

“The body must provide advisory services to government by bringing recommendations based on independent and evidence based which would let the performance of government services be more effective and efficient”, Prof. Asaolu stated.

Speaking, the Auditor General of the Federation, Shaakaa Chira who was represented by the Director of Audit Busayo Fawale said, his office was ready to provide needed expertise and collaborations to registered auditors in the country in any area of interest at national or sub national levels.

He said pragmatic approach to audit processes was essential for body of auditors to enhance service delivery, development and good governance in the country.

Also speaking, the Chairman, Body of Auditors in the Country, Sunday Adegoke stressed the need for auditors to make impact in ensuring accountability in the implementation of Government priority projects.

Declaring the Conference open, Osun State Governor, represented by his deputy, Kola Adewusi urged the body to continue to prioritize professionalism and excellence that would engender good governance and accountability at all levels of governance.

While recognising the roles auditors play in restoring fiscal discipline, detecting fraud and mismanagement and promoting efficiency in public service delivery, Governor Ademola Adeleke said his government was committed to deploying resources and support to the State auditor general’s office to enable it function effectively and efficiently.

He said, “We believe in upholding the integrity of our national system and institution. I urge all participants to take full advantage of this conference to ahare knowledge, best practices and innovative ideas that will further enhance the effectiveness of the body. Together, we can work towards building a more accountable and transparent government for the benefit of all Nigerians.”