The Ondo State House of Assembly has raised concerns over inadequate financial documentation in some local government areas, stressing the need for proper records to improve accountability in the state.
The Chairman of the Assembly’s Public Accounts Committee, Moyinolorun Ogunwumiju, said the lapses were identified during a three-day audit of the financial activities of the 18 local government areas.
The exercise, which covered the 2023 and 2024 accounts of the councils, involved the review of financial documents and the consideration of queries and infractions forwarded by the Office of the Attorney-General for Local Governments.
Ogunwumiju, who disclosed this after the exercise, said the committee did not uncover evidence of sharp practices but observed significant deficiencies in the documentation of financial transactions in several councils.
The chairman explained that comprehensive documentation would make it easier to trace the movement and utilisation of public funds, while also establishing responsibility for individual transactions.
He said the committee had directed the affected councils to strengthen their accounting systems and maintain adequate financial records, adding that the latest exercise produced fewer queries than previous audits.
Ogunwumiju also urged the councils to submit detailed records of contractors and consultants involved in collecting internally generated revenue, saying transparency in such arrangements would further strengthen financial accountability.
He commended the councils for their cooperation and pledged that the committee would continue to scrutinise their finances across the three senatorial districts.
