OSAG Hosts 16th Annual Retreat to Strengthen Financial Prudence and Public Confidence

​​The Office of the State Auditor-General (OSAG) recently convened its 16th Annual Auditors’ Retreat at the Jubilee Chalets in Epe, focusing on the theme “Strengthening Public Confidence through Robust Financial Management.” The retreat served as a high-level strategic forum for auditors to refine their methodologies and align with international best practices. The gathering underscored the vital role of the audit function in maintaining the fiscal health of Lagos State.

Declaring the retreat open, Honourable Kehinde Olaide Joseph, Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), Lagos State House of Assembly, emphasized the legislative importance of audit reports. He noted that the PAC relies heavily on the professionalism of auditors to ensure that public funds are utilized effectively and that mismanagement is met with accountability. He proposed the development of a national financial management framework to further enhance the efficacy of the current system.

​The State Auditor-General, Dr. Muyiwa Adetola, welcomed participants by highlighting the need for audits to provide "actionable insights" rather than just identifying errors. He acknowledged the challenges posed by emerging technologies and complex fiscal arrangements, noting that the office must continually modernize its tools. The retreat focused on audit automation and strategies to enhance the impact of audit reports on government policy and programme implementation.

​Goodwill messages from various state officials, including the Accountant-General, Dr. Abiodun Muritala, and several former Auditors-General, praised the current leadership for raising the bar of excellence. They noted that the collaboration between the Auditor-General’s office and other oversight bodies is essential for maintaining the state’s reputation for financial transparency. The presence of seasoned professionals provided a mentorship opportunity for younger auditors in attendance.

​The three-day event concluded with a renewed commitment to ethical practice and the use of technology to safeguard public resources. Dr. Adetola thanked Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for his unwavering support in modernizing the state’s financial systems. As the auditors return to their various MDAs, the insights gained from the retreat are expected to translate into more robust financial oversight and increased public trust in government spending.