Auditor Generals seek uniform auditing standard

The Federal and State Auditor Generals of Nigeria have called for a uniform auditing standard in the auditing profession in the country.

The National Chairman of the Body of Federal and State Auditors General in Nigeria, Mr. Sunday Adegoke, made this known during a four-day capacity building for the auditors general held in Abakaliki, Ebonyi.

Supreme News reports that the body held a capacity building for the Staff of State and Local Government Area Auditor General of South-East zones.

The theme of the workshop is: Enhancing public sector auditors’ performance for relevance and value addition.

Adegoke, who is the receipt auditor general of Ondo State, explained that therecommendation was in the best interest in order to address misappropriation and to curb corruption.

According to him, the responsibility entrusted would enhance probity in public financial management and accountability.

He noted that the conference is expected to strengthen the capacity of personnel towards resolving corruption.

“The international organisation of supreme audit institutions (ISSAI) recommended that auditors must have requisite professional training and experience with stipulated guidelines and standards that should be met.

“The requirements are that anyone who is going to play that role should be incorporated with principles of the ISSAI, such as principles for public sector audit.

He said that it would enhance transparency in audit activities and quality control to achieve standards.

“So, we are advocating that auditing standards should be adhered to in the profession,” Adegoke said.

Also speaking, Alhaji Garba Dutse, the National Secretary-General of the body, said that the program was designed as training and capacity building, following deficiencies and gaps observed among auditor generals and staff in the federation.

Dutse also Auditor General of Jigawa state, explained that the participants were trained in international training, financial, parastatal, revenue audits and among other aspects of audits.

” The programme was designed to present 10 papers.

“During our last meeting in Osun state, we discovered the gap and resolved to organise this zonal training for auditor generals and staff.

“The South East done in Abakaliki. Others will be carried out in their zones for similar training,”Dutse said.

Mrs Joy Eze, the Auditor General for Local Government Enugu State, described the capacity building as impactful and had added value to the profession as auditors and the country.

Eze commended governor Francis Nwifuru for sponsorship of the programme and opportunity givten to be part of the training.

Mr Bartolomeo Amajuoyi, Director in charge, office of the Auditor-General for Local Government, Abia State, acknowledged that the event was apt.

“The nomenclature has changed. We are grateful and needed the upgrade for optimal performance, Amajuoyi said.

Supreme News reports that the event featured the presentation of certificates of participation to 50 members.

Supreme News also reports that the exercise featured various paper presentations on project and program audits, planning and audit engagements, and financial audits, among other aspects.