By Adaeze Okechukwu

IN the quest for good governance, the Office of the Auditor-General of the Federation (OAuGF) and the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of the National Assembly, have kick-started a partnership that will entrench transparency and accountability public financial management in Nigeria.

Auditor-General of the Federation, Anthony Ayine

Auditor-General for the Federation, Mr. Anthony Ayine, stated during a two-day retreat in Lagos that good governance will become a reality in Nigeria when transparency and accountability become the watchwords of all public office holders.

“The harmonious relationship (between the OAuGF and the PACs) is vital in the interest of good governance, transparency and greater public accountability in Nigeria.” he declared.

He stressed that, “financial resources in particular are of special interest to all, and as such, when these resources are effectively, efficiently and economically managed for the benefits of the citizenry, good governance is said to exist.”

He also explained that the fundamental function of the auditor-general is the protection of public interest, through a detailed and objective examination of public accounts and timely reporting to the legislature, to enable it ascertain how the resources entrusted to government have been utilized.

Expatiating on the role of PAC, he stated: “PAC essentially seeks to ascertain to what extent revenues have been collected and expenditure incurred in the manner government or the legislature approved or intended. PAC uses auditor-general’s report(s) and oversight functions to examine accounting officers and other persons entrusted with the receipts and utilisation of funds and other assets.”

Also Speaking at the event, the Chairman, House of Representatives Public Accounts Committee, Honourable Ogundu Chinda, explained that transparency and accountability issues cut across tribe, religion, ethnicity, political party, country of origin. “It’s like environmental issues. So, once it’s taking place in Nigeria, it affects any other person even in any other part of the world.” He added

He also maintained that the essence of government and governance is tied to transparency and accountability.