Audit reveals N747.7 million government vehicles illegally retained by ex-staff in five MDAs 

The findings, detailed in the Auditor-General’s Annual Report on Non-Compliance and Internal Control Weaknesses, highlight lapses in asset management and control between 2020 and 2021.

The report sheds light on systemic failures in enforcing policies aimed at preventing the unauthorized retention of government assets by departing personnel.

The audit report read, “The sum of N747,749,365.06 (Seven hundred and forty-seven million, seven hundred and forty-nine thousand, three hundred and sixty-five naira, six kobo) was the number of government vehicles held illegally by former staff/unauthorized persons in five (5) Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs). 

“The Nigerian Security Printing and Minting Company Plc. (NSPM), Abuja, has the highest amount of N413,343,623.00 (Four hundred and thirteen million, three hundred and forty-three thousand, six hundred and twenty-three naira), while the Federal College of Education, Okene, Kogi State, has the least amount of N24,507,000.00 (Twenty-four million, five hundred and seven thousand naira).” 

These findings raise critical questions about the enforcement of asset clearance protocols and the responsibilities of accounting officers in ensuring compliance.

The report further highlights the urgent need for improved oversight mechanisms to safeguard public assets.

President Bola Tinubu recently restricted Ministers, Ministers of State, and Heads of Agencies of the Federal Government to a maximum of three vehicles in their official convoys.