An audit report by the Office of the Auditor-General for the Federation (AuGF) has uncovered major financial irregularities and weaknesses in internal controls across several federal ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs), with infractions running into more than N1.34 trillion.
The findings are contained in the Auditor-General’s Annual Report on Non-Compliance/Internal Control Weaknesses in MDAs for the financial year ended December 31, 2024. The report was transmitted to the National Assembly on July 17, 2026, by the Auditor-General for the Federation, Shaakaa Kanyitor Chira.
According to the report, auditors identified 31 categories of infractions involving issues such as unsupported payments, unremitted internally generated revenue, unretired cash advances, irregular contracts and payments without adequate documentation.
One of the major concerns was the handling of cash advances. The audit found that 25 MDAs obtained cash advances totalling 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 report also revealed that 20 MDAs failed to retire cash advances amounting to N2.74 billion. The New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD) accounted for N1.01 billion of the outstanding amount.
Further findings showed that 14 MDAs had N6.73 billion in payments that were not properly accounted for, while five MDAs under-remitted N1.169 billion in internally generated revenue to the Consolidated Revenue Fund.
Nine other MDAs were also accused of failing to remit N8.089 billion in internally generated revenue, with the University of Lagos accounting for N3.29 billion.
Documentation and procurement practices also came under scrutiny. The audit identified N37.081 billion in payments without supporting documents across 21 MDAs. The National Cash Transfer Office accounted for N33.75 billion of the amount.
In addition, N76.96 billion worth of irregular contracts were identified across the institutions examined, while another N27.252 billion was reportedly paid for jobs and contracts that were not properly executed.
The report further raised concerns over payments made without adequate pre-payment audits, including more than N36.74 billion involving the National Theatre Commission.
The Auditor-General said the identified infractions had been forwarded to the Public Accounts Committees of the National Assembly for consideration.
The audit also highlighted weaknesses in the management of government assets. Vehicles valued at N117 million listed in the Nigerian Agricultural Insurance Corporation’s 2023 vehicle register were reportedly absent from the 2024 register and could not be located during physical inspection.
The findings have renewed concerns about accountability, transparency and the effectiveness of internal controls within Nigeria’s public institutions. Stronger monitoring and timely action on audit queries could help reduce financial leakages and improve the management of public resources.