Enhancing Transparency and Accountability in Public Finance Management: A Proposed Amendment to the Nigerian Constitution
The Nigerian House of Representatives Committee on Constitution Review is considering a significant amendment to the 1999 Constitution. This amendment aims to bolster transparency and accountability in public finance management by mandating the public disclosure of audit reports. Currently, the process of auditing and reporting on government spending lacks a defined timeframe, leading to delays and hindering effective oversight. This proposed legislation seeks to rectify this by establishing clear deadlines for the submission and publication of audit reports, thereby ensuring timely access to this crucial information for both the public and legislative oversight bodies.
The proposed amendment focuses on Sections 85 and 125 of the Constitution, which pertain to the responsibilities of the Auditor-General for the Federation and the Auditors-General for the states, respectively. The core change involves introducing a 90-day deadline for the Auditors-General to publicize their findings after receiving financial statements from the Accountants-General. This means that within three months of receiving the financial records, the audit reports must be made available to the public via mass media. This public disclosure element is a critical departure from the current practice, where reports are often delayed and not readily accessible, hindering public scrutiny of government spending.
This amendment will further enhance the effectiveness of the Public Accounts Committees (PACs) at both the federal and state levels. The PACs are legislative committees responsible for scrutinizing government expenditure and ensuring accountability. By mandating timely submission and publication of audit reports, the PACs will have access to up-to-date information, enabling them to perform their oversight functions more effectively. This will empower the committees to identify and address financial irregularities more promptly, ultimately leading to improved financial management practices.
Currently, the PACs are burdened by significant backlogs. For instance, the House Public Accounts Committee is still reviewing the 2021 audited reports, highlighting the inefficiency of the current system. The proposed 90-day deadline for report submission aims to eliminate such backlogs and ensure that the PACs can address financial matters in a timely manner. This will not only improve the efficiency of legislative oversight but also contribute to a more transparent and accountable public finance management system.
The bill’s sponsor, Mansur Soro, emphasizes the critical need for this amendment. He highlights the importance of timely access to audit reports for both citizens and legislative oversight bodies. By specifying a clear timeframe for report submission, the amendment aims to foster greater transparency and accountability in public expenditure. This will empower citizens to hold their government accountable and ensure that public funds are utilized responsibly and effectively.
In essence, this proposed constitutional amendment signifies a crucial step towards enhancing transparency and accountability in Nigeria’s public finance management. By mandating the timely publication of audit reports, it empowers citizens and legislative bodies to effectively scrutinize government spending. This move is anticipated to strengthen public trust, deter financial irregularities, and ultimately contribute to more effective and responsible governance. The 90-day timeframe ensures a consistent and predictable schedule for the release of audit reports, fostering a culture of transparency and enabling swift action on any identified discrepancies. This amendment is a critical step towards modernizing public finance management in Nigeria and ensuring that public resources are utilized for the benefit of the people.
