The Zamfara State Auditor General, Alhaji Abubakar Danmaliki, has reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring the timely submission of audited financial reports to the State House of Assembly, in accordance with the 1999 Constitution as amended.
Danmaliki made this commitment during an interactive session held at his office in Gusau, the state capital, on Wednesday.
At the event, he presented copies of the 2023 audit report to the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Comrade Ibrahim Maizare, and representatives from various Civil Society Organizations.
The Auditor General emphasized that his office is up to date with all its responsibilities, noting that the 2023 audit report is based on the financial statements prepared by the Accountant General. “As required by Section 125(5) of the 1999 Constitution as amended, this office, upon receipt of financial statements and accompanying schedules from the Accountant General, is to submit a report within ninety (90) days of its receipt to the State Assembly, which shall be considered by the Committee on Public Accounts,” Danmaliki stated.
He highlighted that this interactive session is a novel initiative aimed at fostering transparency and collaboration. “I am pleased to welcome you all to this inaugural interaction between my office and you, an occasion that is the first of its kind held by this office. The purpose of your invitation is to update you on the progress made so far. Today’s event aims to facilitate interaction with you and provide copies of the report,” Danmaliki explained.
Danmaliki also referred to the Zamfara State Audit Law 2021, specifically Section 40(1), which supports the principles of transparency and good governance central to the current administration. He elaborated on the standard procedures for financial oversight, stating, “The Accountant General prepares annual financial statements and submits them to the Office of the Auditor General for examination, certification, and reporting.”
In addition to presenting the audit report, Danmaliki assured that other mandatory reports, including the annual audit activity report and the performance audit report on government programs, will be submitted to the Assembly in due course. “I am pleased to inform you that while the primary responsibility has been fulfilled, the other two reports will soon be submitted to the Assembly,” he noted.
Danmaliki concluded the session by expressing his gratitude for the support provided to his office. “I therefore take this opportunity to express my appreciation to His Excellency for the significant moral and budgetary support he has been providing to this office,” he said.
