State House of Assembly begins audit of local councils to ensure accountability.
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When we discuss the benefits of democracy reaching the average person on the street, the local government is where the action truly takes place.
It is the closest level of governance to the people, yet it is often the place where the most “wahala” exists regarding how money is spent. Recognizing this, the Lagos State House of Assembly has officially initiated a comprehensive audit of the 57 Local Governments and Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) across the state.
As an editor who has followed the financial pulse of the “Center of Excellence” for years, I see this as a necessary step to ensure that the “Common Man” is not cheated. The goal is simple: to make sure that the billions allocated to grassroots development are actually being used to fix roads, clear drains, and improve primary health centers, rather than disappearing into private pockets.
Honourable Kehinde Joseph leads the search for financial transparency
The heavy lifting for this exercise is being handled by the House Committee on Public Accounts (Local), under the leadership of its Chairman, Honourable Kehinde Joseph.
During the commencement of the exercise at the Assembly complex, the Chairman was very clear about the “ginger” behind this move. The committee is looking specifically at the financial activities of these councils for the year ended December 31, 2023.
This is not just about looking at spreadsheets in a fancy office; it is about verifying that every kobo recorded on paper can be accounted for in physical projects. In a personal professional tone, I must say that the “real koko” of this audit is to ensure that the trust Lagosians have in their representatives is not betrayed.
By scrutinizing the books of these 57 councils, the Assembly is asserting its constitutional role as the watchdog of the state.
Moving from eye service to real accountability at the grassroots.
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One thing that has often plagued our public service is the culture of “eye service,” where things only look good when the bosses are coming around.
Honourable Kehinde Joseph has warned that this audit is not a “witch hunt” or a tool for intimidation. Instead, it is a professional assessment designed to strengthen the administrative and financial systems at the local level.
The committee is looking for compliance with the law and the various financial regulations that govern public spending. When councils know that a team of experts will be digging through their receipts and project files, it encourages them to be more diligent throughout the year.
For the residents of Lagos, this means a higher chance of seeing their tax money work for them in their immediate neighborhoods.
Why this audit matters for the future of Lagos LCDAs
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The 57 Local Governments and LCDAs in Lagos are the backbone of the state’s development strategy. Since the era of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu as Governor, these councils have been the vehicles for bringing government closer to the people. However, to keep this system working effectively, there must be constant checks and balances.
This audit serves as a roadmap for improvement, identifying where councils are struggling and where they are excelling. It provides a platform for the state to offer better guidance on financial management.
As we look toward the future, ensuring that our local leaders are held to a high standard of accountability is the only way to sustain the growth of Lagos. It is about building a system that works for everyone, regardless of which part of the state they call home.
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