Auditor-General Flags Refugee Commission, NiDCOM, Universities, 23 Other Agencies

The Auditor-General for the Federation has uncovered financial management lapses exceeding N1.34 trillion across federal ministries, departments and agencies, including universities, hospitals and other public institutions.

The findings are contained in the Annual Report on Non-Compliance and Internal Control Weaknesses in MDAs for the financial year ended December 31, 2024.

The report, transmitted to the National Assembly on July 17, 2026, identified 31 categories of infractions, including unsupported payments, unremitted revenue, unretired cash advances, irregular contracts and payments made without required documentation.

The Auditor-General, Shaakaa Kanyitor Chira, said the findings had been forwarded to the Public Accounts Committees of the National Assembly for consideration.

Among the major findings, 25 MDAs obtained cash advances amounting to N1.403 billion above approved limits. The National Institute for Construction Technology and Management in Uromi, Edo State, recorded the highest amount at N467.77 million.

The audit also identified N37.081 billion in payments across 21 MDAs without supporting documents. The National Cash Transfer Office accounted for N33.75 billion of the amount.

Seven MDAs recorded N39.17 billion in payments without pre-payment audit, with the National Theatre Commission accounting for N36.74 billion.

Contract management was also flagged, with irregular contracts worth N76.96 billion identified across the institutions examined. The National Population Commission accounted for N10.96 billion, the highest amount under the finding.

The report further identified N27.252 billion paid for projects and contracts that were not properly executed, with the National Institute for Construction Technology and Management accounting for N11.36 billion.

The audit covered institutions including the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons, the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, universities, medical centres, research institutes and other government establishments.

Universities named in the report include the University of Calabar, University of Lagos, University of Abuja, Obafemi Awolowo University, University of Uyo, Modibbo Adama University, Federal University Oye-Ekiti and Usmanu Danfodiyo University.

Other institutions included the National Film and Video Censors Board, National Social Safety Net Coordinating Office, Maritime Academy of Nigeria and Nigerian College of Aviation Technology.

The report also revealed that vehicles worth N117 million listed in the Nigerian Agricultural Insurance Corporation’s 2023 register were missing from its 2024 register, with no evidence of approved disposal.

The Auditor-General’s findings have renewed concerns over internal controls, accountability and proper management of public resources across federal institutions.