Yobe Audit Exposes N204 Million in Unaccounted Local Government Withdrawals
A review of the 2023 audit report for local governments in Yobe State has uncovered N204 million in unexplained withdrawals by various council areas. The report, which highlights significant lapses in financial accountability, identified unsupported expenditures across multiple local government departments, raising concerns about transparency and governance at the grassroots level.
Breakdown of Unexplained Withdrawals
The audit report detailed the withdrawals made by different local government areas:
- Bade Local Government: Four departments withdrew N7.4 million.
- Bursari Local Government: Five departments withdrew N26.9 million.
- Damaturu Local Government: Four departments withdrew N38.5 million.
- Fika Local Government: Five departments withdrew N7.5 million.
- Geidam Local Government: Three departments withdrew N3.4 million.
- Gujba Local Government: Six departments withdrew N37.7 million.
- Gulani Local Government: Three departments withdrew N1.6 million.
- Jakusko Local Government: Four departments withdrew N5.9 million.
- Karasuwa Local Government: Three departments withdrew N1.9 million.
- Machina Local Government: Four departments withdrew N2.8 million.
- Nangere Local Government: Four departments withdrew N2.6 million.
- Potiskum Local Government: Five departments withdrew N3.1 million.
- Tarmuwa Local Government: Four departments withdrew N39 million.
- Yunusari Local Government: Six departments withdrew N25.9 million.
In total, N204 million was withdrawn by various departments across these local governments without supporting documentation or explanations.
Audit Findings and Concerns
The state audit report noted that repeated requests for explanations regarding the withdrawals were ignored. According to the report, “Withdrawals from the above-listed councils were observed to be unsupported by relevant expenditure details, despite repeated requests for explanations.”
In addition to the unexplained withdrawals, the audit revealed that another N991 million was spent on various projects across five local government areas without clear evidence of value received. This further underscores the lack of accountability and transparency in the management of public funds at the local government level.
Implications for Governance and Accountability
The findings of the audit report raise serious concerns about financial mismanagement and the misuse of public resources in Yobe State. The lack of documentation and justification for the withdrawals suggests a systemic failure in adherence to financial regulations and accountability mechanisms.
The report highlights the need for stricter oversight and enforcement of financial guidelines to prevent such irregularities. It also calls for improved training and capacity-building for local government officials to ensure proper management of public funds.
Calls for Action
The revelations from the audit report have sparked calls for immediate action to address the lapses in financial accountability. Stakeholders, including civil society organizations and anti-corruption agencies, are urging the state government to investigate the matter thoroughly and hold accountable those responsible for the unexplained withdrawals.
Transparency and accountability are critical to building public trust and ensuring that resources are used effectively for the development of local communities. The findings of the audit report serve as a wake-up call for Yobe State and other regions to strengthen their financial management systems and prioritize good governance.
The Yobe State audit report’s uncovering of N204 million in unexplained withdrawals and N991 million in questionable project expenditures underscores the urgent need for improved financial accountability at the local government level. As the state government and relevant stakeholders work to address these issues, the focus must remain on ensuring transparency, accountability, and the efficient use of public resources for the benefit of all citizens.
