The House of Representatives Committee on Public Accounts has warned that underfunding the Office of the Auditor-General of the Federation (OAuGF) could weaken its oversight role and create opportunities for corruption.
The caution was issued yesterday in Abuja during a review of the Auditor-General’s budget proposal for the year at the National Assembly. The committee highlighted that the proposed allocation of N15.88 billion represents just 0.027 per cent of the N58.4 trillion Federal Government budget for 2026, a figure lawmakers described as “grossly inadequate” given the office’s extensive responsibilities.
The Auditor-General of the Federation is constitutionally mandated to audit over 1,000 ministries, departments, agencies, and government-funded institutions across the country. Committee members emphasized that sufficient funding is critical to ensure transparency, accountability, and effective financial oversight within the public sector.
“The office plays a crucial role in safeguarding public funds. Any attempt to underfund it undermines good governance and opens the door to corrupt practices,” a committee spokesperson said.
The lawmakers called on the Federal Government to review the proposed budget and provide resources commensurate with the office’s mandate, stressing that proper funding is essential for the effective performance of its constitutional duties.
