A recent report from the Auditor-General of the Federation has disclosed alarming findings concerning the improper retention of government vehicles valued at approximately N747.75 million by former employees of various ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs). This comprehensive assessment, presented in the Auditor-General’s Annual Report on Non-Compliance and Internal Control Weaknesses, spans activities from 2020 to 2021 and underscores the persistent failures in enforcing clearance protocols intended to ensure that retiring officials surrender all government property in their possession. The report exposes systemic deficiencies in asset management and oversight that have allowed such irregularities to occur within the implicated MDAs.
The report specifically identifies five MDAs that engaged in these irregular practices, including the Nigerian Security Printing and Minting Company Plc. (NSPM) based in Abuja, the Public Complaint Commission, Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, the Nigeria Immigration Service, and the Federal College of Education located in Okene, Kogi State. Notably, the NSPM was responsible for the most significant portion of the mismanaged vehicles, amounting to N413.34 million, while the Federal College of Education recorded the least, at N24.51 million. The gravity of the situation is magnified by the sheer volume of taxpayer resources at stake, as these vehicles continue to be held inappropriately by individuals who are no longer in official capacities.
The Auditor-General’s report explicitly details that a total of N747,749,365.06 worth of government vehicles have been unlawfully retained by former staff or unauthorized persons within the five identified agencies. This clearly indicates a breach of established policies, such as the 2017 Establishment Circular Ref. No. SGF.19/S.52/V/720, which mandates that all retiring officers must submit government properties before their formal disengagement. Unfortunately, the findings reflect a failure to enforce these policies effectively, thus leading to a systemic culture of non-compliance.
In addition to the circular from 2017, the report also emphasizes the importance of adherence to the 2009 Financial Regulations, which obligate accounting officers to maintain effective control over the security and maintenance of government assets. Specifically, Paragraph 2001 of these regulations states that accounting officers are responsible for implementing adequate controls over government vehicles. However, the audit reveals numerous breaches in compliance, leading to unauthorized retention of these assets. These failures raise critical questions regarding the accountability measures within the affected MDAs for safeguarding public resources.
The alarming findings have sparked broader concerns about the efficacy of the oversight mechanisms that are meant to protect government assets. It has been asserted that without stringent enforcement of existing regulations and policies, MDAs will continue to face challenges in maintaining accountability. This sentiment is further fueled by recent government measures aimed at curbing vehicle misuse; for instance, President Bola Tinubu has mandated that Federal Government Ministers, Ministers of State, and Heads of Agencies are limited to a maximum of three vehicles in their official convoys, emphasizing that no additional vehicles will be allocated for their movement.
Overall, the Auditor-General’s report serves as a crucial reminder of the potential for mismanagement and misappropriation within governmental bodies, highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive reforms in asset management and accountability practices. The persistence of such irregularities not only undermines public trust in governmental institutions but also signifies a larger issue of corruption and inefficiency that must be addressed. As the government seeks to implement tighter controls and transparency measures, the onus will be on MDAs to adopt a culture of compliance and stewardship of public resources to rectify past mistakes and prevent future occurrences.
