…Obaseki: Why we re-enacted audit law
By Hillary Asemota
Development Experts have expressed optimism that the engagement of stakeholders by the Governor Godwin Obaseki Administration for the creation of the Benin River Port will propel development and huge benefit to Nigeria to access the over $50 billion African market which is in tandem to the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
This is coming as the Edo State Government is concluding arrangement to engage stakeholders on the establishment of the Benin River Port. CPCS, a renowned company known for port logistics and infrastructure has been appointed as transaction advisers.
Meanwhile, Obaseki has said the state government re-enacted the state audit law to deepen accountability and transparency and make government agencies accountable for public resources.
The disclosure was made known at the maiden Nigeria International Maritime Summit (NIMS) which recently held in Lagos with the theme “Achieving Effective Trade Facilitation in Nigeria and activating the Nigeria agenda for AfCFTA.”
The governor, who was represented by Project Director, Benin River Port, Engr. Joe Aigboduwa, noted that efforts have been made by successive governments both at the federal and state levels to develop a port in Benin City without success.
He said the coming of the Obaseki-led administration has brought a new zest in developing the port and position the state to benefit from the AfCFTA.
Aigboduwa, added that the decision to site a port in Benin was due to the strategic location of the state and its socio-economic benefits to residents in Edo and Nigeria.
He asserted that the development of the port is in line with the federal government’s plan to diversify the economy with a shift from oil into the non-oil sector such as agriculture and agro-allied business.
The Managing Director, Edo State Investment Promotion Office (ESIPO), Mr. Kelvin Uwaibi, stated that the Benin River Port was of huge benefit to Edo State and the country at large as it will add value in accessing the $50 billion African market through the African Continental Free Trade Area.
He asserted that the primary way out for Nigeria in its present foreign exchange quagmire is exports.
On why Edo is re-enacting its audit law in the state, the governor acknowledged that the audit laws in the past did not achieve the desired goals.
He said: “Edo State Public Law 2019 which was re-enacted in 2021 provides for the establishment of the Edo State Audit Service Commission and the Office of the Auditor General of Edo State.
“This law is an outcome of an exercise supported by the World Bank to further deepen accountability and transparency in the way we run government functions and institutions. You have been chosen based on your experience and knowledge of the workings of government institutions and agencies to come and play this role.”
He noted: “We expect that the foundation members of this commission are going to be setting the pathway for the future of this commission. The standard you set today will determine the progress we make in putting in place what is required to make sure that government agencies account for financial resources given to them.
“Your function is critical as it reminds the people that whatever they do, they must account for the task. We had Audit laws in the past which did not achieve and accomplish the desired goals. This was why the laws had to be re-enacted and stronger positions put into the law to provide for an independent commission set up to ensure that not even the governor can stop your work.”
The governor urged members of the Audit Service Commission not to abuse powers but use them responsibly to the benefit of the Edo State Government and the people of the state.
The Chairman of the Audit Service Commission, Emmanuel Osaretin Omozuhiomwen, assured that members of the commission will deliver on their mandate, adding that the setting up of the commission is another bold step by the Obaseki-led administration to demonstrate open governance, high standards of accountability and transparency in the deployment of public resources.
