The Lagos State Office of the Auditor-General has reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and accountability with the hosting of its 16th Annual Auditors Retreat in Epe.
Eko Hot News reports that the three-day retreat was held at Jubilee Chalets, Epe, under the theme “Strengthening Public Confidence through Robust Financial Management.”
The event brought together senior auditors, financial experts, lawmakers, and key stakeholders to deliberate on strategies for improving public sector accountability and reinforcing trust in the management of government funds.
Declaring the retreat open, the Special Guest of Honour and Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Kehinde Olaide Joseph, underscored the critical role auditors play in promoting transparency, accountability, and prudence in public financial management.
He stated that the Lagos State House of Assembly recognises auditors as central to good governance and remains committed to supporting frameworks that enhance fiscal discipline.
Hon. Joseph noted that robust financial management is essential for sustainable development, economic growth, and the overall well-being of citizens.
According to him, the Public Accounts Committee has continued to work diligently to ensure that public funds are utilised effectively, efficiently, and economically, while those found culpable of financial mismanagement are held accountable.
He further proposed key reforms to strengthen Nigeria’s financial management landscape. These include the development of a national financial management framework, the establishment of an independent audit oversight body, the implementation of a whistleblower protection programme, and improved public access to financial information.
He urged participants to engage actively in discussions and maintain the highest standards of professionalism and integrity, noting that auditors remain one of the institutions the public relies on to understand how government funds are spent across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies.
Earlier in his welcome address, the State Auditor-General and Permanent Secretary, Office of the State Auditor-General, Dr. Muyiwa Adetola, emphasised that modern auditing must go beyond identifying irregularities.
He explained that audits should also provide actionable insights that improve service delivery and safeguard public resources.
Dr. Adetola highlighted notable achievements recorded by the Office, which he said have enabled it to reinvent itself and deliver higher-quality audit services in line with global best practices.
He also identified emerging technologies, complex fiscal arrangements, and increased public scrutiny as key challenges requiring continuous capacity building, expanded expertise, and a deeper commitment to ethical standards.
According to him, the retreat was structured to explore best practices in financial reporting and audit automation, examine strategies for enhancing audit impact on policy and programme implementation, and strengthen collaboration with oversight bodies and civil society organisations.
Dr. Adetola expressed appreciation to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for his unwavering support and visionary leadership in modernising Lagos State’s financial systems.
He noted that reforms such as transparent budgeting processes and the adoption of technology for revenue collection and expenditure control have significantly strengthened public finance management in the state.
He also commended Hon. Kehinde Joseph for his role in ensuring effective legislative oversight and consistently advocating fiscal discipline.
In his goodwill message, the Accountant-General and Permanent Secretary, State Treasury Office, Dr. Abiodun Muritala, congratulated the Office of the State Auditor-General for organising what he described as a timely and strategic retreat.
He stressed the importance of collaboration between accounting and auditing institutions in achieving financial transparency.
Also speaking, a former State Auditor-General and Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Hellen Deile, praised Dr. Adetola for raising the bar of excellence within the Office. She commended auditors for their dedication and collective effort in advancing the institution’s mandate.
The retreat concluded with renewed commitments by participants to uphold integrity, professionalism, and innovation in strengthening public confidence in Lagos State’s financial management system.
