Audit: MDAs yet to submit 2017 annual report, says reps panel

The house of representatives public accounts committee says government ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) have failed to submit their annual financial reports for auditing.

Kingsley Chinda, chairman of the committee, said the MDAs are yet to file their annual report for 2017 to the office of auditor-general of the federation.

Chinda spoke on Thursday  when the committee unveiled its website “to enhance the audit process.”

He lamented the lack of cooperation by some of the MDAs when asked to appear before the committee over issues regarding their performances as well as “improper documentation” on finances.

He also said the MDAs will henceforth respond to queries regarding auditing process electronically.

“The incidence of improper documentation such as missing vouchers, tax receipts, contract papers and sometimes suspicious documents designed to mislead the committee were the hallmark of our experience over the years,” Chinda said.

“There is also lack of articulation on the part of MDAs to make effective preparations to defend their cases, and sometimes an attempt to defend the indefensible.

“The report for 2017 as we speak, is still being awaited in May 2019.”

On the importance of the new digital platform, he said: “In today’s world of artificial intelligence and expert system models, we cannot be seen to be working in an isolated island of pen and paper technologies.

“Thus, the impetus to adopt comprehensive technology innovations with the full support of all our partners became imperative.”