Plateau State Legislature Gets Audited Financial Reports for 2025 from State Government and 17 Local Councils

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The Plateau State House of Assembly has received the audited financial statements of the state government and the 17 local government councils for the 2025 fiscal year, with the Speaker commending Governor Caleb Mutfwang for what he described as his “unwavering commitment to the principles of good governance, transparency and accountability.”

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

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Gapyil confirmed the development on Tuesday in a statement issued by his media aide, Philip Eplong.

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According to the Speaker, the submission was made by the Office of the Auditor-General for the State and the Auditor-General for Local Governments “in strict compliance with constitutional provisions on accountability in public finance.”

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Laying the reports before the House, the Speaker said the exercise was “pursuant to Section 125(2) and Section 125(5) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).”

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He explained, “Section 125(2) requires the Auditor-General for the State to submit audited accounts of the State Government, while Section 125(5) requires the Auditor-General for Local Governments to submit audited accounts of all Local Government Councils in the State to the House of Assembly.”

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He further referenced Sections 36(1–3) and 22(1)(c) of the Plateau State Audit Law, 2021, which mandate the House to undertake a detailed examination of all audit reports to ensure transparency, accountability and value for money in public expenditure.

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Following the presentation, the House, in exercise of its constitutional oversight powers under “Sections 128 and 129 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended),” resolved to commit both the state and the 17 local government councils’ audited financial statements to the House Committee on Public Accounts and Petitions for thorough consideration.

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The committee was mandated to “examine all financial records to ensure compliance with approved estimates, financial regulations and due process; identify cases of financial irregularities, misapplication or waste of public funds at both state and local government levels; invite relevant accounting officers and stakeholders for explanations where necessary; and submit a comprehensive report with recommendations to the House for further legislative action.”

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The House also commended Governor Mutfwang for the prompt submission of the reports.

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The Speaker noted that “the prompt submission of the audited financial statements for both the State and Local Governments is a clear demonstration of the Governor’s integrity and utmost respect for the rule of law.”

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“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,” Gapyil stated.

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He added that the action “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.”

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Speaking further, the Speaker emphasised that “effective oversight of public accounts is a cardinal responsibility of the Legislature and a critical tool in promoting prudent management of resources.”

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He noted that the exercise “will ensure that funds appropriated for the people of Plateau State, at both State and Local Government levels, are properly utilised for development.”

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Gapyil also urged the Committee on Public Accounts and Petitions to discharge its assignment with fairness, diligence and strict adherence to the rule of law.

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He reaffirmed “the 10th Assembly’s resolve to continue to work in synergy with the Executive under the able leadership of the Governor to deepen transparency, accountability and good governance for the overall development and prosperity of Plateau State.”

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