NASS grants autonomy to Auditor-General

Both chambers of the National Assembly have passed a legislation granting administrative and financial autonomy to the Auditor-General of the Federation and also established the Federal Audit Service Commission (FASC).

Senate passed the Audit Bill, which had earlier been passed by the House of Representatives, on Thursday.

The Bill will now be harmonised and sent to President Muhammadu Buhari for assent.

Commenting on the passage of the Audit Bill, Senate President, Dr. Saraki who presided over the session, said the Bill would strengthen the anti-corruption crusade of the present administration.

“Today is a landmark achievement in the fight against corruption. This will bring accountability and probity in the finances of the government and the fight against corruption.

“I must commend all the members of the National Assembly, both the Senate and the House of Representatives. This will go a long way in ensuring the independence of the Office of the Auditor-General and will ensure that the Auditor-General has access to different parastatal-agencies.

“We truly have to block all the various leakages. We have to ensure that we get this (Bill) to Mr. President to get his assent. We have gone a long way in this administration in our fight against corruption, and it is commendable that the National Assembly are the sponsors and movers of this very important Bill, knowing that the Audit Ordinance of 1956 is outdated. We will continue to play our part in this fight against corruption for the sake our country.”

In a statement on Saturday, Auditor-General for the Federation, Mr. Anthony Mkpe Ayine, while commending the National Assembly for passing the Audit Bill, said the lawmakers have demonstrated great support and commitment to President Muhammadu Buhari’s efforts at enthroning Accountability and Transparency as key pillars and foundation for good governance in Nigeria.

“The passage of the Audit Bill by the National Assembly will strengthen and enable the Office of the Auditor-General for the Federation to make meaningful and impactful contributions towards good governance through effective accountability, because all Nigerians desire good governance,” Mr. Ayine stated, adding:

“There is no way you can talk about good governance without the key pillars of accountability and transparency. So, with the passage of the Audit Bill, when assented to by Mr. President, the Office will be properly positioned to deliver effectively on its mandate, by making bigger and significant contributions to the anti-corruption campaign of President Buhari’s Administration.