Anambra records N750 million unaccounted expenses across MDAs in 2024 fiscal year, audited report

 

By Okechukwu Onuegbu

The Anambra State Auditor-General, Mr Akosa Okocha, on Thursday, said that a total sum of N750 million expenses were yet to be accounted for by various Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) in the 2024 fiscal year.

Okocha, who stated this at the 2025 audit forum and citizens accountability dialogue held in Awka,  however said it was an improvement compared to 2023 financial year where unresolved queries were valued at N2.5 billion.

"My office ensures that expectation gaps, lapses and other breaches are identified as it occurs and rectified. These observed breaches are also reduced to the barest minimum. In the financial year 2023 the amount of unresolved queries was about N2.5 billion but has reduced drastically to about N750 million in 2024.

"This is due to the proactive measure put in place by my office. Some of the Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) mentioned in the report has responded and forwarded documented evidence to clarify the issues in the unresolved queries concerning their entity. There have been some improvements in some of the areas we have challenges as I mentioned during last year's Audit Forum," he added.

Also speaking, a principal consultant, Mr Ademola Okeleye urged more efforts to be made to resolve all queries raised in 2024 accounts to enhance public confidence in corporate governance, while encouraging citizens to pay their taxes.

Other speakers, including Professor Tochukwu Okafor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka and Dr Adokwe Ekene explained that improved auditing was necessary for improved service delivery in Nigeria, even as it would end corruption, transparency and accountability.