Plateau Assembly Receives 2025 Audited Accounts, Commends Governor Mutfwang on Transparency Push

By Our Correspondent

The Plateau State House of Assembly has received the 2025 Audited Financial Statements for the state government and all 17 Local Government Councils, in what lawmakers described as a key step toward fiscal transparency.

The documents were presented during plenary on Monday and laid before the House by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Naanlong Daniel Gapyil.

They were submitted by the Office of the Auditor-General for the State and the Auditor-General for Local Governments.

Speaking while laying the reports, the Speaker said the submission was made pursuant to Sections 125(2) and 125(5) of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria, which require the Auditor-General for the State and the Auditor-General for Local Governments to submit audited accounts to the legislature.

He also cited Sections 36(1–3) and 22(1)(c) of the Plateau State Audit Law, 2021, which mandate the Assembly to examine all audit reports to ensure accountability and value for money in public spending.

Following the presentation, the House invoked its oversight powers under Sections 128 and 129 of the Constitution and referred both audited statements to the House Committee on Public Accounts and Petitions for detailed scrutiny.

The House mandated the Committee to examine all financial records for compliance with approved budgets, financial regulations and due process, identify cases of financial irregularities, misapplication, or waste of public funds at state and local government levels and invite relevant accounting officers and stakeholders to provide explanations where necessary.

The Committee is expected to submit a comprehensive report with recommendations to the House for further legislative action.

The House used the session to commend Governor Caleb Mutfwang for what it called his “unwavering commitment” to good governance, transparency and accountability.

Speaker Gapyil said the prompt submission of audited statements for both the state and local governments demonstrate the governor’s integrity and respect for the rule of law.

“By submitting the reports as and when due, the Governor has set a standard for fiscal discipline and has shown that his administration has nothing to hide,” the Speaker stated.

“This reflects a government that is open to scrutiny and is determined to ensure that public resources are managed in the best interest of the people of Plateau State.”

He added that effective oversight of public accounts is a core responsibility of the legislature and a critical tool for ensuring that funds appropriated for the people are properly utilized for development.

The Speaker urged members of the Public Accounts Committee to carry out their assignment with “fairness, diligence and strict adherence to the rule of law.”

He also reaffirmed the Assembly’s commitment to work in synergy with the Executive to deepen transparency and accountability for the development of Plateau State.

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