…We’ll strengthen internal auditing, control

By Abdullahi Muhammad

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Malam Muhammad Musa Bello, has said that the FCT Administration would strengthen proper internal auditing and control, to reduce time and energies being wasted in solving certain problems that may crop up.
He disclosed this while receiving the Auditor-General of the Federation, Mr. Anthony Ayine, who paid him a working visit in his office.

He also assured that the FCT Administration would work very closely with the office of the Auditor-General of the Federation, to ensure transparency in government business especially as it concerns monetary transactions.
He reiterated that his administration would foster existing relationship between the FCT Administration and office of the Auditor General of the federation and ensure proper accounting system.

Bello, who congratulated the new Auditor-General of the Federation over his appointment, re-assured that “we are going to work very closely with you.”
He said the nature of the day-in-day-out activities of the FCT Administration is such that “requires a different auditing template from the one being used to review other federal ministries.”
“We are a Ministry as well as a Territory. As you know, by virtue of Section 299 of the Constitution, we are being considered as if we are a state.
“We run a Ministry, but we also run a Territory that has approximately six million people now, which is more than many states. It’s probably like two states combined. In terms of geographical size, we are talking of 8,000 square kilometres.

That’s obviously much bigger than many states. We run six area councils. We have agencies for education, health, justice, social services, agriculture, Area Council and Chieftaincy matters. The Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) undertakes the works aspect, while the Abuja Metropolitan Management Council manages municipal services. So, basically, it’s as if we are a state.”

“I will also want to add that when you relate with our officers, the template you use for a typical Ministry will not be the same. Of course, there should be a standard template about what is right and what is wrong in terms of financial regulation that must be adhered to.”
Speaking earlier, Ayine said “this is his first outing since his appointment into this exalted position.”
He called for strengthened and sustained relationship between the Office of the Auditor-General of the federation and the FCT Administration.

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