Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has urged state governments to embrace effective auditing as vital components for transparent governance
Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by his Deputy, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, gave the advice during a courtesy visit to him by the leadership of the Body of Federal and States Auditors-General, on Thursday at Alausa, Ikeja.
He charged auditors to be bold and persistent in their dealings.
According to the governor, Lagos State takes auditing seriously in the recognition that auditors are the gatekeepers of public resources.
He said that effective auditing was crucial for ensuring transparency, accountability and good governance, adding that it was essential for driving development and delivering results to citizens.
“We understand that the job you do is very important. A lot of people see auditors as bad cops, but in Lagos, we don’t.
“We know that it doesn’t matter how good your intentions are, one can make mistakes. Therefore we must listen to our auditors, so that when we make mistakes, we are corrected by them,” he said.
The governor said that by embracing audit recommendations, governments could build trust with citizens and drive development.
Sanwo-Olu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting auditors-general, recognising their importance in ensuring effective governance and driving national development.
He said that it was imperative for state governments to take auditing seriously to ensure transparency, accountability, and effective governance in their respective states and the nation at large.
In his remarks, Mr Sunday Adegoke, the Chairman, Body of Federal and States Auditors-General, expressed gratitude to the governor for hosting the 54th Bi-Annual Conference of the body.
Adegoke, who is the Ondo State Auditor-General, said that the conference provided a platform for auditors to engage with industry leaders, share experiences and discuss critical issues relating to accountability in the country.
