On Tuesday, March 26, 2024, a partnership between the INTOSAI Development Initiative (IDI) and Paradigm Leadership Support Initiative (PLSI) brought together 30 Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) from various regions of Nigeria for a day-long capacity-building workshop at the Bolton White Hotel and Suite in Abuja, the workshop aimed to strengthen collaboration between Supreme Audit Institutions (SAIs) and CSOs in Nigeria.
Led by the PLSI team, including our Program Officer, Abdulahi Adebayo, and Executive Director, Olusegun Elemo, the workshop encompassed four interactive modules, each tailored to deepen capacity, enhance understanding, and foster cooperation.
The first session, Introduction to Public Accountability, facilitated by Abdulahi Adebayo, equipped participants with a comprehensive understanding of public accountability, public finance management, the roles of stakeholders in the budget cycle and strategies to contextualize them in Nigerian context. He illustrated Mexico’s accountability landscape through a compelling video depicting citizens’ improper waste disposal practices. Participants shared their perspectives, emphasizing the importance of mutual accountability, wherein both citizens and the government fulfil their respective roles.
During the session on “Understanding the Roles of SAIs in the Accountability Process,” PLSI Executive Director Olusegun Elemo offered participants valuable insights into the functions of Supreme Audit Institutions (SAIs) within the realm of public accountability. Topics covered included legal mandates, audit models, operational modes, and more, shedding light on the critical role SAIs play in ensuring transparency and accountability within governmental structures. He contextualized the diverse structures of SAIs across countries; say, in Nigeria, SAIs typically report to the parliament, at national and subnational level, but in other nations, they may report to the judiciary. The session also explored common forms and procedures of SAI Audit.
Mr. Elemo also addressed the imperative of collaboration in preserving SAI independence and outlined strategies and tools to mitigate associated risks. Through interactive activities and discussions, participants gained a deeper understanding of the importance of cooperation in upholding accountability and safeguarding the independence of Supreme Audit Institutions (SAIs) in Nigeria.
Participants reaffirmed their commitment to building stronger relationships with SAIs in their respective states, emphasizing their determination to collaborate effectively moving forward. Their unwavering commitment underscores a collective effort to enhance audit practices and promote accountability standards in the country.
We extend our heartfelt appreciation to the INTOSAI Development Initiative (IDI) for their invaluable partnership and support in organizing this impactful workshop. As well, we extend gratitude to all participants for their commitment to our shared mission of promoting transparency and accountability in Nigeria.
The success of this workshop exemplifies the power of collaboration and underscores the pivotal role CSOs and SAIs play in driving positive change.
