Abuja: The Auditor-General for the Federation, Mr. Shaakaa Chira, has emphasized the critical need for strategic collaboration among stakeholders to enhance accountability and effectively combat corruption in Nigeria. Chira made this assertion during a One-day Strategic Stakeholders' Engagement Workshop organized by the Office of the Auditor-General for the Federation (OAuGF) in Abuja.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Chira highlighted that the workshop aimed to bolster institutional partnerships, improve operational transparency, and ensure that audit outcomes result in tangible reforms. He stressed that Supreme Audit Institutions must collaborate with a wide range of stakeholders to promote accountability. "This event marks another important chapter in the reforms trajectory of the Office. As the foremost anti-corruption institution in Nigeria, the OAuGF can only succeed with the support of its stakeholders," Chira stated.
He further noted that by understanding stakeholder needs and fostering consistent communication, the OAuGF could position itself as a model institution in public sector audit and reform. Chira also recalled the inauguration of the OAuGF Stakeholder Engagement Strategy 2025-2028, developed with support from the International Organization of Supreme Audit Institutions (INTOSAI) Development Initiative (IDI). The strategy identifies 12 critical groups whose roles are pivotal to the Office's success, including the National Assembly, Executive, Judiciary, MDAs, civil society organizations, professional bodies, development partners, and the general public.
Mr. George Phiri, Senior Manager at the INTOSAI Development Initiative, underscored the importance of stakeholder engagement as a strategic imperative rather than a mere communications exercise. He expressed confidence that the strategy would foster collaboration with civil society, media, and oversight bodies to enhance public financial management.
The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, commended the OAuGF's efforts and pledged continued collaboration. Represented by his Permanent Secretary, Special Duties, Mr. Raymond Omachi, Edun emphasized the shared responsibility to strengthen institutional alignment for better governance. "The Auditor-General's work provides a compass for informed fiscal decisions," the minister noted.
Additionally, the Accountant-General of the Federation, Shamsedeen Ogunjimi, expressed a commitment to working with the OAuGF and other public sector institutions to build a more responsive, efficient, and accountable public financial management system. Ogunjimi stressed the importance of institutionalizing mechanisms for regular stakeholder dialogue, timely publication of audit reports, and developing platforms for monitoring audit recommendations.
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), represented by Deputy Director and Head of Internal Audit, Mr. Ambrose Songo, lauded the AuGF for championing stakeholder cooperation and urged further efforts in the fight against corruption.
Dr. Rabiu Olowo, Executive Secretary of the Financial Reporting Council (FRC), praised the OAuGF for advancing transparency and financial reporting compliance among MDAs, highlighting the need for continued collaboration to strengthen international public sector accounting standards.
The workshop convened top officials from various oversight institutions, civil society groups, and development partners, all of whom expressed their support for the OAuGF's reform agenda.