An audit of Kwara State’s local government finances has uncovered significant irregularities, revealing discrepancies amounting to millions of naira. The report highlights at least N45.2 million in questionable payments flagged for the year 2023.
According to the audit findings, various local governments reported substantial unreceipted payments. For example, As local government had irregular payment vouchers totaling N3.3 million, while Baruten local government reported N2.6 million in unreceipted vouchers. Edu local government accounted for N2 million in unapproved payments, and Ekiti local government recorded N5.1 million in unreceipted transactions. Other notable discrepancies include N2.2 million from Ifelodun, N4.1 million from Ilorin East, and N5.5 million from Ilorin West.
The report also listed irregular payments in several other local governments: Irepodun with N1 million, Kaiama at N2.1 million, Isin with N1.5 million, and Moro at N2.5 million. Offa local government recorded N3.3 million in unreceipted payments, Oke-Ero had N3.1 million in unapproved vouchers, Oyun reported N2.3 million in unreceipted payments, and Patigi had N2.4 million flagged.
In total, the audit identified N45.2 million in irregular payments across local governments in the state.
Unreceipted payments refer to transactions made without any proof of payment, while unapproved payments are those made without proper authorization. These financial discrepancies raise concerns about the effective use of local government funds, which are expected to facilitate development at the grassroots level.
Residents of Kwara State have expressed their frustration over the poor administration within local governments, further igniting concerns about accountability and transparency in managing public funds throughout Nigeria.
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