The Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening transparency, accountability, and efficient public financial management by equipping internal auditors with modern data analytics skills.
Eko Hot News reports that the Special Adviser to the Governor on Internal Audit, Dr. (Mrs.) Oyeyemi Ayoola, declared open a four-day capacity-building programme on data analytics for internal auditors in Alausa, Ikeja.
Dr. Ayoola said the training is part of the state’s efforts to enhance the capacity of internal auditors to analyse large volumes of financial data, improve risk-based auditing, strengthen fraud detection, and support prudent management of public resources.
According to her, the initiative aligns with the Lagos State Government’s commitment to digital transformation and improved governance across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).
She explained that auditors must embrace modern technology to remain effective as government operations become increasingly digital and data-driven.
Dr. Ayoola noted that data analytics enables auditors to generate reliable financial insights and provide evidence-based recommendations that support informed decision-making.
She urged participants to take full advantage of the programme, stressing that advanced analytical skills would improve audit quality and strengthen internal control systems.
According to the Special Adviser, data analytics helps auditors move beyond manual reviews by quickly identifying trends, irregularities, and areas requiring closer attention.
She added that the adoption of digital audit techniques would enhance operational efficiency and improve risk management across the public service.
In her welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, Office of Internal Audit, Mrs. Monsurat Titilope Alaka, described the programme as another milestone in strengthening the state’s internal audit function.
Mrs. Alaka said internal auditors now play broader roles beyond compliance, contributing to governance, organisational performance, and effective risk management.
She explained that traditional auditing methods often rely on sampling, while data analytics enables auditors to examine larger volumes of financial transactions with greater accuracy.
According to her, this approach improves audit quality, enhances efficiency, and delivers more reliable outcomes.
The Permanent Secretary expressed confidence that participants would acquire practical skills to conduct more effective risk-based audits and strengthen internal controls.
She said the training would also improve the preparation of value-added audit reports capable of supporting better management decisions.
Mrs. Alaka emphasised that continuous professional development remains essential to promoting financial discipline, transparency, accountability, and public confidence in government institutions.
She added that the knowledge gained during the programme should be applied across MDAs to improve service delivery and fiscal responsibility.
Representing DYA Lorte Limited, the consultancy firm facilitating the programme, Mr. Lawal Yusuf Bankole said participants would receive practical instruction in key areas of data analytics.
He listed data transformation, data visualisation, and analytical techniques among the major topics covered during the four-day training.
According to Bankole, the programme combines classroom learning with practical exercises to ensure participants develop hands-on experience using modern audit tools.
He expressed confidence that the training would equip internal auditors to deliver more efficient, evidence-based audit engagements.
Participants also commended the Lagos State Government for investing in continuous professional development.
One of the participants, Mrs. Wuraola Oloko, described the programme as timely, noting that technology-driven auditing will strengthen governance and improve public sector decision-making.
She said modern auditing skills would help internal auditors provide management with more accurate information for effective policy implementation and resource management.
Mrs. Oloko also observed that the training would improve participants’ ability to identify financial irregularities more quickly and accurately.
Another participant, Mr. Adebayo Abiade, encouraged fellow auditors to actively engage with facilitators throughout the programme.
He urged participants to ask questions, exchange professional experiences, and collaborate to maximise the benefits of the training.
The Lagos State Government has continued to invest in technology-driven reforms aimed at improving public service efficiency and institutional performance.
Officials believe strengthening the capacity of internal auditors will reinforce transparency, enhance accountability, and ensure better utilisation of public resources.
The government also reaffirmed its commitment to building a modern, digitally enabled public service capable of supporting sustainable development and good governance across Lagos State.
