By Josephine Oguntoyinbo
The Ondo State House of Assembly has reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, accountability, and prudent management of public resources as it convened a stakeholders’ meeting on the bill to amend the Ondo State Public Audit Amendment Law 2021.
Declaring the session open at the Assembly Complex in Akure on Monday, the Speaker Chief Olamide Oladiji, said the meeting underscored the legislature’s resolve to align the State’s audit processes with international best practices and enhance financial accountability across all public institutions.
Represented by the Deputy Speaker, Ololade Gbegudu,he welcomed all participants, including Honourable Members, representatives of the executive arm, the Office of the Auditor-General, civil society organisations, among others.
He noted that the Assembly remains resolute in its commitment to good governance and prudent management of public resources.
“Today, we gather to deliberate on crucial amendments that will enhance our public audit framework and strengthen accountability in our state.
“The Ondo State House of Assembly remains committed to ensuring transparency and good governance. This Bill represents our dedication to prudent management of public resources and aligning our laws with international best practices,”he said.
He urged stakeholders to participate actively and offer valuable insights that would enrich the proposed legislation.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Chairman of the House Committee on Public Accounts, Ogunwumiju Moyinolorun Taiwo, gave a historical background to the Public Audit Law, recalling its enactment in 2017 under the World Bank-assisted Public Sector Governance Reform and Development Programme, and its subsequent review in 2021 under the State Fiscal Transparency, Accountability and Sustainability (SFTAS) programme, in collaboration with the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF).
According to him, laws must be periodically reviewed to address emerging challenges and ensure conformity with global standards.
“As we all know, laws are dynamic and require periodic reviews to address gaps and ensure best practices.
“Today, we have the opportunity to review the law and consider proposed amendments, which I believe will strengthen our public finance system and secure the future of staff in the offices of the Auditors-General,”he noted
He assured that the Public Accounts Committee would give the Bill accelerated consideration once all inputs from stakeholders are harmonised.
In their separate remarks, representatives of key government offices commended the Ondo State House of Assembly for initiating the review process.
The representative of the Head of Service,Mrs Folake Sanni lauded the lawmakers for the inclusive legislative approach.
“We appreciate the House of Assembly for granting us an audience to discuss the proposed amendment to our audit law. This amendment will benefit Ondo State, improve our public account law, and enhance our audit framework,” he said.
The State Auditor-General, Samuel Adegoke expressed gratitude to the Assembly for always supporting the audit office and for its commitment to strengthening institutional accountability.
Other stakeholders thanked the Assembly for their cooperation, pledging continuous collaboration to achieve improved governance outcomes.
The opening session ended with a vote of thanks delivered by the Clerk of the House, Jaiyeola Benjamin, after which participants proceeded to the technical session for detailed deliberations on the proposed amendments.