A review of the Niger State government audit report for the 2023 fiscal year has shown that financial irregularities plagued several transactions by the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), prompting recommendations for refunds to the government coffers.
According to the audit statement, N23,485,176.40 was spent on the supply of assorted classroom equipment without receiving acknowledgements from the benefitting schools.
“The sum of N23,485,176.40 was spent on the supply of assorted classroom equipment without acknowledgement from the benefitting schools to authenticate the genuineness of the said supply,” the report said.
Additionally, the report revealed that N37,440,000.00 was paid for 240 butterfly sewing machines by Dimas Global on 3 August 2023, but key documents, including receipts and Store Receipt Vouchers (SRV), were missing.
The audit noted that “as at the time of verification the store officer was not available.”
It recommended, “The total sum of N60,925,176.40 be refunded to Government coffers, as the transactions appear doubtful.”
Another N3,670,000.00 was spent on school chalk supplies by First Jamjas Global on 15 September 2023. However, no official expenditure receipt was attached to the payment voucher, contrary to Financial Instruction No. 08004.
Regarding project monitoring and vehicle maintenance, N5,890,000.00 was paid to individuals for monitoring projects without progress reports or approvals. Similarly, N2,645,000.00 was allegedly spent on vehicle maintenance without evidence of the work being done.
“The total sum of N8,535,000.00 be refunded to Government coffers,” the report recommended.
The audit further highlighted questionable procurement practices. Two monitoring vehicles were purchased for N27,000,000.00 in May 2023 without a competitive bidding process, and the vehicles were unavailable for physical verification.
Another N500,000.00 was reportedly spent on 20 tyres without proper documentation or verification.
The audit concluded with calls for the refund of N27,500,000.00 and stricter adherence to financial regulations to ensure accountability.
