An audit of Niger State’s financial transactions for the 2023 fiscal year has exposed significant financial discrepancies, particularly within the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB). These irregularities have raised concerns, prompting recommendations for the refund of several questionable expenditures to the state government.
The audit report reveals that a total of N23,485,176.40 was spent on assorted classroom supplies. However, there was no official acknowledgment from the schools receiving these items, leaving doubts about the legitimacy of the transaction. The report specifically states, “The amount of N23,485,176.40 was spent on the supply of classroom equipment, but no acknowledgment was received from the schools to verify the delivery.”
In addition, the audit uncovered a payment of N37,440,000.00 made to Dimas Global on August 3, 2023, for the purchase of 240 butterfly sewing machines. Yet, crucial documents such as receipts and Store Receipt Vouchers (SRVs) were missing. The report highlights that, “At the time of verification, the store officer was not available.” It further recommended that the total amount of N60,925,176.40 be refunded to the government, as these transactions appear questionable.
Other expenditures were also flagged. A payment of N3,670,000.00 was made to First Jamjas Global on September 15, 2023, for school chalk supplies, but no official expenditure receipts were provided, violating Financial Instruction No. 08004. Furthermore, N5,890,000.00 was paid to individuals for project monitoring, but no progress reports or approvals were submitted. Additionally, N2,645,000.00 was allegedly spent on vehicle maintenance, with no evidence that the work was performed.
The audit recommended that N8,535,000.00 be refunded to the government for these unsubstantiated expenditures.
Questionable procurement practices were also noted, including the purchase of two monitoring vehicles for N27,000,000.00 in May 2023. These vehicles were not subjected to a competitive bidding process, and their physical verification could not be carried out. Another N500,000.00 was allegedly spent on 20 tyres, but no proper documentation or verification was provided. As a result, the audit urged the refund of N27,500,000.00 and called for stricter adherence to financial regulations to ensure transparency and accountability.
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