By Suzan Edeh, Bauchi The Bauchi State Auditor General has called on the government to offset the unpaid gratuities owed to retired civil s...
By Suzan Edeh, Bauchi
The Bauchi State Auditor General has called on the government to offset the unpaid gratuities owed to retired civil servants in the state, urging action before it becomes a major problem.
This call was made in the State Auditor General's Annual Report for the Year 2022, submitted to the State House of Assembly through the Clerk of the House, in line with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, as amended.
"The total amount of unpaid gratuities due to retirees is becoming increasingly alarming. As of December 31, 2022, the total unpaid gratuities owed by the State Government stands at N28,058,733,849.20," according to the office of the Accountant General.
Munkaila Y. Abubakar, the Overseer of the Office at the time of the report, wrote, "It is time for the government to address this issue before it becomes a menace. Settling these amounts will also alleviate the sufferings and hardships of the retirees."
In his introduction, Abubakar noted, "The accounts of Bauchi State Government for the year ending December 2022 have been audited in accordance with Section 125(2) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, as amended, and Sections 13 and 18 of the Bauchi State Public Sector Audit and Other Related Matters Law, 2021."
"This involved inspecting all records and accounts kept by Departments and Agencies (MDAs) and the financial statements provided by the Accountant General," he added.
"My comments and observations on the audit of the financial statements are detailed in parts one, two, and three, while significant queries arising from the inspection reports of MDAs, which have been resolved, are summarized in part four of this document," the report stated.
"The statements of accounts were received from the Office of the Accountant General on March 15, 2023, via MOF/OFF/S/362/ dated March 14, 2023, in line with the provisions of Section 125(5) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended."
Regarding financial governance, Abubakar wrote, "The governance of financial reporting involves transactions and economic phenomena that transpired during the reporting period. The International Public Sector Accounting Standards are globally recognized for embodying principles, rules, and practices that are objective, transparent, and comprehensive."
"Therefore, the government should invest in training and retaining staff for effective and efficient service delivery," he said.
Abubakar explained that the financial activities of Bauchi State are compiled by the Accountant General as contained in his report, together with the financial report for the year ended December 31, 2022.
According to him, "These documents review the financial efforts and outcomes of the government, matching financial management objectives with governance."
He added, "Section 18 of the Bauchi State Public Sector Audit Related Matters Law, 2021, requires the Accountant General to present the accounts and financial position as of the last day of the financial year to the Auditor General for auditing and certification in accordance with Section 125(2) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, as amended."
Section 120 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, as amended, states that all revenue received by the government, except those specifically provided otherwise, must be treated according to constitutional provisions.
A letter with reference AGM.I/VOL.VI/70, dated May 31, 2023, was addressed to the Clerk of the Bauchi State House of Assembly, State Assembly Complex, Gombe Road, Bauchi, titled: "Submission of Annual Report of the State Auditor General Bauchi on the Accounts of the Government of Bauchi State for the Year ended December 31, 2022."
The letter reads, "In accordance with Section 125(5) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, as amended, and Sections 13 and 18 of the Bauchi State Public Sector Audit and Other Related Matters Law, 2021, I submit to the Bauchi State House of Assembly copies of the report on the accounts of the Government of Bauchi State for the year ended December 31, 2022."
On the clearance of the previous report, the Overseer wrote, "I commend the efforts of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) for their bold steps and consideration of the observations in the Auditor General's Report for 2020. These efforts have positively impacted public finance policies and administration. I reiterate that the 2021 and 2022 Auditor General's reports should be considered for positive results towards accountability and public financial management."
Efforts to reach the State Head of Service for a response were unsuccessful, as he did not answer his phone.
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