The Delta State House of Assembly Public Accounts Committee, PAC, has commenced the review of the 2025 Auditor-General’s report on the financial activities of the state’s 25 local government councils.
The exercise, being conducted at the State Assembly Complex in Asaba, is aimed at strengthening financial accountability, improving accounting procedures, revenue generation and compliance with relevant laws.
Chairman of the committee and member representing Okpe State Constituency, Hon. Dr. James Augoye, said the review was not intended to witch-hunt any council or official, but to identify weaknesses in financial management and ensure corrective measures are taken.
Augoye stressed that sound financial accountability at the grassroots remained critical to effective service delivery, urging officials appearing before the committee to provide clear explanations and relevant documents on issues raised by the auditors.
He explained that council chairmen were excluded from the exercise due to other state assignments, while Heads of Personnel Management and Treasurers were invited because of their responsibilities for financial documentation and management.
Presenting the audit findings, the Auditor-General for Local Government, Mr. Ikenna Ukpaka, raised concerns over delays by some councils in submitting financial statements and other accounting records.
Ukpaka noted that some councils failed to meet the March 30, 2026 deadline for submitting their General Purpose Financial Statements, while others failed to submit monthly income and expenditure statements as required by law.
He recommended stronger revenue-generation mechanisms, improved procurement processes, performance-based budgeting and increased capital expenditure on priority projects.
The Auditor-General also called for stronger internal control and audit systems, regular bank reconciliation, proper maintenance of accounting records and prompt retirement of financial advances.
He further recommended a comprehensive audit of outstanding liabilities of the councils to determine their actual indebtedness and develop measures to reduce the financial burden.
The Public Accounts Committee is expected to continue its review, with officials of the 25 local government councils required to respond to the issues raised and provide necessary clarifications and documentation.