The 2023 Auditor General’s Report has revealed irregularities totaling ¢8.799 billion in public boards, corporations, and other statutory institutions. This is a significant decrease from ¢15.059 billion in 2022, marking a 41.6% drop. The report also included US$4,585,776, which converts to ¢54.5 million at the December 2023 exchange rate.
While the total number of audited institutions increased from 113 in 2022 to 135 in 2023, most types of irregularities fell, except for procurement and contract issues. The ¢8.799 billion in irregularities included ¢8.732 billion in recoverable amounts and ¢66.807 million in administrative infractions. Administrative irregularities, like procurement and procedural lapses, do not involve lost funds but are issues with how funds are managed.
The recoverable amount includes debts, overdue receivables, locked-up investments, unpaid taxes, and loans to employees. The ¢66.807 million in administrative irregularities are largely due to procurement mistakes and delays in payments, and they cannot be recovered. The Auditor General recommended enforcing stricter financial management practices to improve discipline in handling public resources.
