An audit report has revealed over N4.64 billion in financial irregularities within the Federal Ministry of Works, raising concerns about systemic failures in financial oversight. The Auditor-General’s report, covering activities from 2020 to 2021 under former Minister Babatunde Fashola, highlights numerous issues such as unapproved payments, extra-budgetary spending, and contract awards lacking proper documentation.
Key findings include:
– N1.08 billion paid without payment vouchers, violating financial regulations.
– N2.89 billion spent without legislative appropriation, including N1.88 billion used illegally for projects not approved by the National Assembly.
– Over N493 million awarded to companies not registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission, risking fraud and mismanagement.
The report also flagged excessive mobilisation fees paid for projects in Oyo and Edo States, and highlighted contracts awarded without proper bidding processes. The Auditor-General has called for the recovery of these funds and recommended sanctions for those responsible. The Senate has also threatened penalties against agency heads who fail to comply with financial regulations.
The Ministry has yet to respond to the findings, which signal a need for urgent reforms to strengthen financial control systems and prevent further misuse of public funds.
