As part of its strategies at driving best practices in the state’s financial system and ensuring that recommendations of the committee a various levels were implemented, the Public Account Committee of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly has visited the office of the Auditor General for Local Government and the State Accountant General.
The visit is also in furtherance of the oversight role of the parastatals by the committee.
Led by the Chairman and member representing Nsit Ibom State Constituency, Hon. Eric Akpan, the committee first called at the office of the Permanent Secretary and Auditor General for Local Government, Mr Emaeyak Akpan.
There the committee observed that the financial statement of the 31 Local Government Councils of Akwa Ibom State for the year ended 31st December, 2023, fell below the National Standard requirement of the International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) Accrual Based Accounting Framework provision approved by the Federal Executive Council of Nigeria for adoption and implementation by all Public Sector Entities in Nigeria.
The committee also recommended that any Local Government Council that fail or refuse to comply with the migration processes from cash-based to Accrual Based IPSAS should be sanctioned.
It also drew the attention of the office to the provision of the Akwa Ibom State Audit Law 2021 which stipulates that the Auditor-General for Local Government shall within three months of from the date of receipt of account from the chairman of a Local Government Council, submit his report to the State House of Assembly, urging the office to promptly comply.
The committee however lamented the poor State the office complex and assured that it’s recommendations will include the total overhaul of the structure to ensure greater efficiency in their duties.
Later at the Office of the Permanent Secretary and State Accountant General, Pastor Uwem Andrew-Essien, the committee commended the office for full compliance with the International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) and the timely submission of the Annual financial statement of Akwa Ibom State Government for the year ended 31st December 2023.
Some of the concerns of the committee made to the office were Non preparation and submission by some Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) of their Appropriation Accounts to the Office of the State Auditor-General as required by the State Audit Law.
Others were poor preparation of Payment Vouchers as well as non retirement of Special Imprest.
The committee urged the Accountant General to issue internal memo to the MDAs highlighting the flaws and ensure the immediate inauguration of Audit Recommendation Implementation Committees which should commence operation 1st June, 2025.
The committees visit to the strategic offices were also to familiarize and acquaint themselves with their operations and environment with a view to exploring better ways of collaborating to enhance the state’s financial system.
On the Public Accounts Committee delegation were the Member representing Ini State Constituency, Hon Lawrence Udoide, Member representing Eket State Constituency, Hon. (Dr) Nsidi e Akata, Member representing Ikot Ekpene/ Obot Akara State Constituency, Hon. Jerry Otu, Member representing Oron/Uruefong Oruko State Constituency, Hon. Kenin Onofiok, Member representing, Ikot Abasi/ Eastern Obolo State Constituency, Hon. Selina Ukpatu and the Member representing Esit Eket/Ibeno State Constituency, Hon. Udobia Udobia.