National
Federal, State Auditors General want Sections 85(3), 125(3) of constitution ammended

***Calls for Strengthening of Auditing Job
By Ahmed Rufa’i, Dutse
The Body of Federal and State Auditors General in Nigeria has called for the amendment of Sections 85(3) and 125 (3) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to strengthen the offices of the Auditors General to audit the books and records of Accounts of Parastatals, Commissions, Boards and other Agencies of Government at respective levels.
The call was made in a communique issued at the end of the 53rd Conference with the Theme: “Supreme Audit Institution and the Achievement of Government Priorities”, jointly signed by Secretary, Body of Federal and State Auditors-General, Garba Muhammad Dutse, FCA Auditor General Jigawa state and chairman communique committee,
Dr U.S.A. Udu, Auditor General, Ebonyi State
The body of the auditors general also called on the Federal Government to expedite the process of reviewing the Social Investment and Humanitarian Programme and resume operations of the programme as soon as possible, in order to enhance achievement of the SDGs.
According to the communique “We, the Supreme Audit Institutions (i.e. offices of Auditors-General) in Nigeria affirm our commitment to accelerate action on the implementation of the Moscow Declaration on their role in the achievement of the SDGs.
“The Supreme Audit Institutions (SAIs) in Nigeria should be well resourced in terms of human, financial and material requirements, while necessary amendments should be made to the Constitution and Audit Laws at all levels to grant administrative and operational autonomy required for effective discharge of their role”.
The communique stated further that the establishment of the Nigerian Organization of Supreme Audit Institutions should be fast tracked to support capacity building of members, peer review, and cooperative audits, among other benefits.
The Nigerian Auditors advised that the States that are yet to migrate to IPSAS Accrual should endeavour to do so, in order to maximize the benefits of IPSAS implementation.
“The Revenue Mobilization Allocation Fiscal Commission’s new template on the emolument of Certain Political, Judicial and Public Officials should be implemented immediately by all levels of Government, to help cushion the effect of the present economic situation and high cost of living on the affected public officers”.
The Body of Auditors General of the Federation and States appealed to the State Executives to confirm those Auditors General who have been on acting capacity for more than six months to avert legitimacy issues as it relates to he Audited Financial Statements/any other Audit Reports already signed or will be signed by any of them.
The communique also suggested that the audit forum should be held regularly to provide opportunity for stakeholders to properly understand the role of SAls and thus enhance their supports for the work of SAls.
The conference attended by the Auditor General for the Federation, Mr Shaakaa Kanyitor Chira represented by Dr Busayo Fawale noted with concern that “With just a little over five years to the 2030 set date for the achievement of the SDGs, and the limited progress made so far, there is need for urgent concerted efforts towards meeting the target”.
“The suspension of the implementation of the sustainable development goals, the social investment and humanitarian programme by the Federal Government, if not quickly addressed, will adversely affect the achievement of the SDGs within the target date”.
Participants expressed the need to effectively achieve the target of the role of Supreme Audit Institutions (SAls) in the achievement of the SDGs,as affirmed by the International Organization of Supreme Audit Institutions (INTOSAI)in their Moscow Declaration at the XXIII International Congress of Supreme Audit Institutions (INCOSAI),which was hosted by the Accounts Chamber of the Russian Federation in 2019.
Stated further that the SAls in Nigeria are currently not well resourced in terms of human, financial and material requirements, as well as the administrative and operational autonomy required for effective discharge of their role, hence the need for further strengthening.
“The audit of donor funds requires strategic, integrated, innovative, information technology and data-driven approach, which requires further training of the audit personnel. Periodic audit forum at all levels would be needed to secure the buy-in of relevant stakeholders to the activities of Supreme Audit Institutions, SAls in Nigeria need an umbrella Body in the nature of the African Organization of Supreme Audit Institutions is urgently needed to support capacity building of members,peer review and cooperative audits, among other benefits.
The implementation of International public sector accounting standards in about twenty States are still on cash basis, despite the benefits of migrating to accrual basis; while a number of institutional and resource-related challenges are still hindering effective implementation of the standards.
National
Strike: NASS Leadership, Labour Leaders, others in closed meeting to avert industrial action

In last minute effort to prevent indefinite industrial action declared by Nigeria Labour Congress ( NLC) and affiliate bodies from tomorrow, Monday, June 3, 2024 , the leadership of the National Assembly led by the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon Tajudeen Abbas, are currently in closed door meeting with the labour leaders and some Ministers at the Senate Wing of the National Assembly
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, Minister of Finance , Wale Edun, Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris Malagi and some other Ministers are also at the Emergency meeting.
Labour welcomes negotiations for “survival wage “NOT “starvation wage” for workers. Akpabio cautions Labour to be mindful of possible “collateral damage” that might lead to massive job loss
Thesewere just before they went into a closed door meeting.
The National Assembly had had earlier indicated that it would engage the organized labour as part of moves to avert the industrial action due to commence on Monday.
It said its decision of to intervene followed the deadlock between the federal government and the Labour Unions in agreeing on a new national minimum wage and reversal of the recent hike in electricity tariffs. The National Assembly stressed that both parties have tenable reasons for their respective positions.
A statement issued Sunday and jointly signed by the spokesperson of the Senate, Senator Yemi Adaramodu and the spokesperson of the House, Akin Rotimi revealed that the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, are taking proactive steps to mediate and avert the impending industrial action.
The legislative arm was of the opinion that the strike action would have severe repercussions on the populace and economy
It said: “The National Assembly acknowledges the announcement by Organised Labour, including the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC), to commence an indefinite strike action from Monday, June 3, 2024, nationwide.
“In view of this, the National Assembly Leadership and the Chairmen of the Senate and House Committees on Labour, Employment and Productivity respectively, Senator Diket Plang, and Rep. Adegboyega Adefarati, are looking to engage both parties in constructive dialogue and explore a variety of solutions in addressing the issues at hand.”
It added that the 10th National Assembly was committed to ensuring that the interests of all parties are fairly represented.
National
Strike is not in the interest of Nigerians, Labour Minister cautions organised labour

The Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Barr. Nkeiruka Onyejoecha, has caution the organised insisting that embarking on a nationwide strike is not in the best interest of the country and its people.
In a statement by her Special Adviser (Media) Emameh Gabriel the minister
Minister advised the workers unions to have a rethink as declaring a strike in the middle of ongoing negotiations would not only compound the economic woes but also exacerbate the suffering of millions of Nigerians who are already struggling to eke out a living from their daily endeavors.
Explaining further the Minister noted that the “government has consistently demonstrated commitment and goodwill throughout the negotiations with organised labour.
She pointed out that the government’s proposals were carefully crafted, taking into account the country’s economic realities and incorporating innovative solutions.
“These proposals include a comprehensive package featuring a wage increase to N60,000 for federal workers, the introduction of CNG-fueled buses, and enhanced financial access for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). “Additionally, the government has pledged investments in strategic sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, education, healthcare and many others that are already in the pipeline.
She however cautioned that any new minimum wage must not lead to widespread job losses, particularly in the Organised Private Sector, which employs the bulk of the nation’s workforce
“This sector is crucial to the country’s economic growth and stability. The government’s stance is rooted in a deep understanding of the negotiations, demonstrating its dedication to finding a balance between the needs of workers and the economic realities of the country.
“The goal is to establish a minimum wage that is not only realistic but also sustainable, avoiding any potentially detrimental consequences for the economy.
“By adopting this approach, the government aims to safeguard the interests of both workers and employers, ensuring that any agreement reached is mutually beneficial and does not jeopardise the country’s economic progress.
“This balanced stance is crucial for maintaining harmony in the workforce and driving national growth”, she explained.
The Minister expressed disappointment that in a surprising turn of events, organised labour abruptly exited the negotiations yesterday, despite the government’s flexibility in rescheduling the meeting from Monday to Friday, May 31st, to accelerate the talks.
“Labour unions remained adamant in their demand for a staggering 1,547% wage increase, after the government’s proposed 100% increase, accompanied by various incentives for workers.
“It is widely acknowledged that the labour unions’ demands are unrealistic, given the country’s current economic position. The government takes into account the nation’s fiscal constraints and the need for sustainable economic growth. In contrast, labour’s demands seem disconnected from the economic realities, potentially jeopardising the very gains they seek to achieve”.
“The government’s willingness to engage in dialogue and its demonstrated flexibility in the negotiations underscore its commitment to finding a mutually beneficial solution. However, labour’s inflexibility and unrealistic expectations may hinder the progress made thus far, ultimately harming the workers they represent and the nation as a whole, the minister added.
She however, urged the unions to reconsider their decision and continue engaging in constructive dialogue to find a solution that benefits all, as strike will disproportionately harm the most vulnerable segments of our society. She concluded by asking
organised labour to continue to respect the principles of social dialogue, engaging in good-faith.
National
Gov Yusuf Visits National Security Adviser, Ribadu

Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State on Thursday met with the National Security Adviser Malam Nuhu Ribado at his Office in Abuja
The meeting which was ocasioned by the recent happenings in Kano following the dissolution of five emirates by the Kano State House of Assembly through the repeal of the state emirate law, the governor’s assent and the subsequent restoration of Emir Muhammad Sanusi II by the
Governor.
The Governor’s spokesperson Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, in a statement indicated that the two political leaders deliberated on various matters relating to state/national development and the peaceful coexistence of the nation during their discussions in Abuja.
Recall that the NSA had been accused of involvement in the Kano crisis for allowing a substantial military presence to protect the dethroned Emir Aminu Ado Bayero, a position the Office of the NSA debunked
The Kano State Deputy Governor, Comrade Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, had apologized to the NSA for his implication in the Kano crises, attributing the error to flawed intelligence.
Recognizing the respected professional background and integrity of the NSA throughout his time as an Officer and Anti-corruption campaigner, the state deemed it necessary to retract the allegation and offer a sincire apology.
In harmony with these events, the Governor’s meeting with the NSA coincided with Emir of Kano Muhammadu Sanusi II’s six-day stay at the Kano palace, where a significant majority of district heads and kingmakers already pledged their allegiance and loyalty to the newly consolidated Kano Emirate under the leadership of the 16th Emir.
The state assured that Kano has been characterized by peace and tranquillity, and thus urges all residents to continue their regular activities in compliance with the rule of law.
“It was a fruitful discussion between myself and the National Security Adviser, his role is critical for the harmonious existence of our nation, so I briefed him on the recent developments in Kano,” Governor Yusuf confirmed.
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