The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has responded to the query raised by the Office of the Auditor-General of the Federation concerning the Commission’s 2023 expenditure, saying all issues raised have been comprehensively addressed with documentary evidence.
NiDCOM, in a statement signed by its Director of Media, Public Relations and Protocols, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, said its response had been formally submitted to the Office of the Auditor-General as well as the Public Accounts Committees of the National Assembly.
The Commission said all enquiries relating to its 2023 audited report should be directed to the Office of the Auditor-General and the Public Accounts Committees, which have the statutory responsibility for reviewing audit matters and exercising legislative oversight.
“NiDCOM assures that all questions raised have been addressed with documentary evidence,” the statement said.
The Commission also cautioned against drawing conclusions from an audit query before its response and supporting records had been fully considered by the relevant authorities.
“For the avoidance of doubt, a query is meant to be responded to and NiDCOM, like any other responsible government institution, has done exactly that,” it stated.
According to the Commission, an audit observation does not, by itself, constitute a final finding of wrongdoing.
“It is therefore premature and inappropriate for any organisation to prejudge the Commission’s response or draw conclusions before the relevant facts, records and explanations have been fully considered,” NiDCOM said.
The Commission reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, accountability and due process in the management of public funds.