The Chairman, House Committee on Public Accounts (Local) in the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Prince Nureni Akinsanya, has said auditors in the state’s local governments play a critical role in protecting public funds and ensuring accountability at the grassroots.
Akinsanya stated this on Wednesday at the opening of the 9th Annual Auditors’ Retreat organised by the Lagos State Office of the Auditor-General for Local Governments, held in Ikeja.
He described auditors as “watchdogs in the interest of the people,” noting that their work directly impacts the quality of public services and governance.
According to him, effective and high-quality auditing helps to promote fair markets, functional healthcare systems, efficient schools, improved infrastructure, sanitation, and sustainable community development.
The retreat, themed “Audit Quality: Catalyst for Quality Auditing,” brought together auditors to reflect on professional standards and their role in strengthening public accountability.
Akinsanya, who represents Mushin Constituency I, said the retreat was more than a routine professional gathering, describing it as “a movement for reflection, renewal, and recommitment” to accountability and good governance at the grassroots.
He noted that Lagos State is known for leadership and innovation, adding that citizens have high expectations for prudent and effective governance.
“While citizens may not always recognise the technical details of auditing, they experience its impact through better schools, hospitals, roads, and other public services,” he said.
The lawmaker emphasised that audit quality remains fundamental to credible oversight, as rigorous auditing helps to identify weaknesses, promote reforms, and strengthen governance.
He warned that poor audit quality could undermine public trust and hinder opportunities for institutional improvement.
Akinsanya also stressed the importance of collaboration between the House Committee on Public Accounts (Local) and the Office of the Auditor-General for Local Governments, describing the office as a key partner in ensuring accountability.
“Our oversight work depends significantly on the strength and quality of your reports. When audit quality is high, accountability improves, governance is strengthened, and public confidence is sustained,” he said.
He added that beyond technical competence, auditors must uphold integrity, objectivity, and transparency, which he described as essential to maintaining trust in public institutions.
