The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has responded to queries raised by the Office of the Auditor-General of the Federation concerning its 2023 expenditure.

The commission said it has comprehensively addressed the issues raised and formally submitted its response, alongside supporting documents, to the Office of the Auditor-General and the Public Accounts Committees of the National Assembly.

NiDCOM urged members of the public seeking clarification on its 2023 audited report to direct their enquiries to the relevant oversight institutions, particularly the Auditor-General’s office and the Public Accounts Committees.

According to the commission, all the questions contained in the audit query have been addressed with documentary evidence.

NiDCOM also stressed that an audit observation or query should not automatically be interpreted as a final finding of wrongdoing.

It explained that audit queries are part of the accountability process through which government agencies are given the opportunity to provide explanations, records and supporting documentation concerning issues identified during an audit.

“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,” the commission stated.

The commission further cautioned against drawing conclusions before its explanations and supporting records have been reviewed by the appropriate authorities.

The response follows scrutiny of NiDCOM’s 2023 expenditure in the Auditor-General’s report on non-compliance and internal control weaknesses in federal Ministries, Departments and Agencies.

Among the issues previously reported in connection with the audit were concerns over expenditure on diaspora-related events, procurement procedures, contractors’ documentation and other financial controls.

NiDCOM maintained that the appropriate statutory bodies should be allowed to examine its response and determine the issues based on the records and explanations provided.

The commission reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, accountability and due process in the management of public resources.

It also said further enquiries concerning the 2023 audited report should be directed to the Office of the Auditor-General and the National Assembly committees responsible for public accounts oversight.