By Chinwe Onuigbo, Anambra
The Anambra State Government has recorded a budget performance of over 70 per cent for the 2024 fiscal year, alongside a significant reduction in unresolved audit queries from ₦2.5 billion in 2023 to about ₦750 million in 2024.
The State Auditor-General, Mr. Akosa Okocha, disclosed this on Thursday in Awka during the Audit Forum and Citizens Accountability Dialogue on the 2024 State Financial Statements, organised in line with the States Fiscal Transparency, Accountability and Sustainability (SFTAS) framework and international best practices.
Okocha said the state performed creditably during the year, posting a revenue surplus above its budget projection, despite a budget shortfall of 28.70 per cent. According to him, Anambra overachieved its expected revenue by ₦92.81 billion, representing 33.21 per cent of projected revenue.
He explained that while the state projected an expenditure of ₦410.13 billion for 2024, actual spending stood at ₦292.41 billion, leaving a shortfall of ₦117.72 billion, or 28.70 per cent.
“Therefore, the state achieved a remarkable budget performance of over 70 per cent in the year 2024. The revenues earned were applied to critical areas of development, and overall, the state performed creditably well,” Okocha said.
On accountability, the Auditor-General revealed that about ₦750 million expended by various Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) in 2024 was yet to be fully accounted for, noting that this marked a drastic improvement from the ₦2.5 billion unresolved audit queries recorded in 2023.
He attributed the progress to proactive measures adopted by his office, including the early identification and rectification of lapses and breaches in financial processes.
“In the 2023 financial year, unresolved audit queries stood at about ₦2.5 billion, but this has reduced drastically to about ₦750 million in 2024. Some of the MDAs mentioned in the report have responded and submitted documentary evidence to clarify issues raised against them,” he said.
Okocha also cautioned auditors against unprofessional conduct, warning that anyone found compromising audit standards would face legal consequences. He stressed that auditing must be carried out strictly in line with established checklists and relevant laws, without sentiment.
“The society places high value on accountability and transparency. Auditors must be careful about what they certify, because of the consequences attached,” he warned.
He described the Office of the Auditor-General as a critical link in ensuring checks and balances in public finance management, from budgeting and execution to documentation, auditing and follow-up.
While welcoming participants, Okocha said the forum was designed to expose MDAs to modern and emerging approaches in public sector financial management, while also serving as a platform for citizens and stakeholders to interrogate government stewardship.
“Transparency, accountability and fiscal responsibility have always been our watchwords in Anambra State. This has earned the state several accolades from reputable rating organisations in public sector financial management,” he said.
The Auditor-General commended Governor Chukwuma Soludo for the consistent release of funds to support the operations of his office and appealed for assistance towards the speedy completion of a new office complex. He also disclosed that his office was prioritising capacity building to equip staff with up-to-date skills and expertise.
The forum featured paper presentations and lectures by experts. Professor Toochukwu Okafor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, delivered a paper on enhancing transparency and accountability in public sector service delivery, with emphasis on International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS).
Similarly, Dr. Ekene Adokwe spoke on building robust financial systems as a panacea for good governance, highlighting the critical role of accountants and auditors in curbing corruption and improving service delivery.
The event was attended by representatives of labour unions, town unions, professional bodies and civil society organisations, who also participated in discussions on the 2024 financial statements and broader issues of governance and fiscal responsibility.