Global Integrity Watch (GIW) has commended the Auditor-General for the Federation, Mr Shaakaa Kanyitor Chira, for efforts to clear Nigeria’s longstanding public-sector audit backlog and strengthen accountability in the management of public funds.
The commendation followed the third edition of the GIW Integrity March held on October 30, 2026, where the organisation reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, responsible governance and accountability across Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) of the Federal Government.
GIW in a statement made available to journalists in Lokoja on Monday, said the compilation and submission of the 2024 Annual Report on Non-Compliance and Internal Control under Chira’s leadership represented a significant step towards addressing years of delays in the public audit process.
It noted that the report identified approximately N1.34 trillion in financial irregularities requiring explanations, verification and appropriate follow-up actions.
The organisation, however, stressed that audit reports must not be treated as mere documents but should trigger credible investigations, recovery of public funds where losses are established and appropriate sanctions against those found culpable. It urged the Auditor-General to sustain the momentum and ensure that outstanding audit findings receive necessary attention.
GIW also called on relevant oversight institutions and anti-corruption agencies to act on documented audit findings and provide regular updates on corrective measures. It warned that MDAs must not ignore audit queries, lawful Freedom of Information (FOI) requests or recommendations arising from public expenditure reviews.
The organisation said it would continue to pursue accountability through lawful channels, including formal correspondence, public advocacy, engagement with oversight bodies and evidence-based media briefings.
It added that scrutiny of public institutions would be conducted responsibly, with documentary evidence, respect for the right of reply and a clear distinction between audit observations and proven misconduct.
The Executive Director of GIW, Comrade Abraham Temitayo Adewoye, urged members, civil society partners and supporters to remain calm, united and committed to the organisation’s accountability campaign following the postponement of its next scheduled protest activities.
Adewoye said the postponement did not signify the abandonment of the campaign, insisting that the organisation remained resolute in its demand for transparency and responsible management of public resources.
He reiterated that GIW would continue to demand answers from public institutions through peaceful and lawful means, while a new date for the next Integrity March and related protest activities would be announced in due course.
The organisation further called on the Federal Government, National Assembly, anti-corruption agencies and MDAs to promote a culture of timely responses to audit findings and ensure citizens have access to public-interest information in accordance with the law.
GIW maintained that its campaign was aimed at strengthening public confidence, improving governance and ensuring accountability in the stewardship of taxpayers’ money.
