Lagos Urges Auditors To Proffer Solutions For Good Governance

The Lagos State Government has said the delivery of quality and professional auditing services can only be achieved by raising the bar and building the knowledge base and competency level of auditors such that they perform their duties in a professional manner that impacts good governance while strengthening public trust.

This statement was made by the Auditor-General/Permanent Secretary for Local Governments, Obafemi Musa Ogunlana, in his address at the opening ceremony of the 8th Edition of the annual Auditors Retreat held recently at Radisson Blu Hotel, Ikeja.

Speaking on the theme of the retreat, ‘Building Knowledge-Based Competencies as an aid to Effective Oversight that Strengthen Public Trust’, Ogunlana explained that the theme is better appreciated in terms of its importance and expected impact when placed in the perspective of the fact that ‘no one, ordinarily wants to be audited’, whereas audit is both statutory and in the best interest of the stakeholders who seek credibility for the stewardship reports.

According to him, “Whatever you cannot measure you can neither control nor improve. To make seamless the measurement, control, and improvement of systems in conjunction with our stakeholders, we must crave acceptance from the hitherto unwilling auditees and seek their embrace of our audit services as desirables, and not mere services that people endured because they are statute ordained”.

He noted, therefore, that the retreat which is a forum for the review of the prior audit cycle and its numerous engagements provides a platform for rebirth and revival towards the provision of premium services that will engender good governance.
In her keynote address, Secretary to the State Government, Mrs. Folashade Jaji said that the Retreat was an opportunity to improve structures and strategies needed in discharging the crucial responsibilities as Auditors in the State Government.

Jaji stressed that the theme is not only apt but also aligns with the objective of the profession to always guarantee unbiased and objective assessments of the management of public resources to achieve desired results.

To earn public trust, she said, it is imperative for Auditors to continuously improve and interact with each other to facilitate new ideas and ensure they stay up to date with current standards and practices to remain competent and relevant.

The SSG, therefore, implored the participants to dwell less on ‘fault finding’ and more on proffering solutions that enhance good governance.