FCT Area Council Chairmen Summoned Over N100bn Financial Breach

The House of Representatives Public Account Committee has summoned the chairmen of six FCT area councils over a N100 billion financial breach revealed in the Auditor General's report. The councils involved are Abuja Municipal Area Council, Bwari, Gwagwalada, Kuje, Abaji, and Kwali.

The audit report highlighted widespread cases of unremitting taxes, failure to update fixed asset registers, and improper accounting practices. The total outstanding liabilities across the councils amount to N7.65 billion as of December 31, 2021.

The committee chairman, Mr. Bamidele Salam, has issued summonses to the chairmen and finance directors of the councils to appear before the committee and address the audit queries. Failure to comply may result in the invocation of constitutional powers to ensure compliance.

The audit also flagged concerns over expenditure totaling N24.87 billion in 2021, with inadequate documentation on capital projects and a lack of transparency in financial reporting.