NAN-H-149
Audit
By Kabir Muhammad
Abuja, Feb. 23, 2017 (NAN) The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) says it will strengthen its internal auditing and control to save time and energy wasted in solving financial issues in the administration.
FCT Minister Mohammed Bello said this on Thursday in Abuja when he received the new Auditor-General of the Federation (AGF), Mr Anthony Ayine, who visited him in his office.
Bello said that this was a proactive step to ensure that all government financial regulations were strictly followed to ensure good governance.
He also assured that the FCT Administration would work very closely with the office of the AGF to ensure transparency in government business, especially as it concerns monetary transactions.
Bello, who congratulated the new AGF over his appointment, reassured him that “we are going to work very closely with you”
He said that the nature of the day-in-day-out activities of the FCT Administration required a different auditing template from the one being used to review other federal ministries.
“We are a Ministry, as well as a Territory. As you know, by virtue of section 299 of the Constitution, we are being considered as a state.
“We run a Ministry, but we also run a Territory that has approximately six million people now, which is more than many States.
“It is probably like two States combined. In terms of geographical size, we are talking of 8,000 square kilometres. That’s obviously much bigger than many States.
“We run six Area Councils. We have agencies for education, health, justice, social services, agriculture, Area Council and Chieftaincy matters,’’ he said.
According to him, the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) undertakes the works aspect, while the Abuja Metropolitan Management Council manages municipal services.
“We are going to work very closely with your organisation so as to enhance good governance and prudent utilisation of resources,” he emphasised.
“I will also want to add that when you relate with our officers, the template you use for a typical Ministry will not be the same.
“Of course, there should be a standard template about what is right and what is wrong in terms of financial regulation that must be adhered to.
“There is a deliberate policy to empower, encourage and give your office all the maximum support.
“This is something we have discussed at very high levels and I personally was among those who feel very strongly that your office has to be given the full support it needs,’’ he said.
Earlier, Ayine said that this is his first outing since his appointment.
The new AGF called for strengthened and sustained relationship between the office of the Auditor-General of the federation and the FCT Administration.
He promised to assist the FCT Administration in strengthening its internal control and audit system. (NAN)
KM/DOR/AFA
Edited by Nyisom Dore/Felix Ajide