Satellite Town Development Department Abuja: Secrets Reporters Uncover ₦15.29m Financial Irregularities as Retired Officer Keeps Government Hilux

Secrets Reporters

Behind every government asset entrusted to public officers lies a duty to account for it, while every Naira released for public service is expected to leave a clear trail of expenditure. A review of the financial activities of the Satellite Town Development Department, Abuja, has, however, flagged about ₦15.29 million across three issues, involving unretired cash advances, the retention of a government vehicle by a retired officer and payments for training and workshops without evidence that the activities were executed.

The review identified ₦5,034,200 in cash advances issued in 2019 for which there was no evidence of retirement at the time of the review. It also found that a government-owned Toyota Hilux van valued at ₦5 million was retained by a staff member after his retirement, while another ₦5.255 million was spent on staff training and workshops without completion certificates or attendance registers to establish that the activities took place.

According to findings, ₦5,034,200 in cash advances issued in 2019 had no evidence of retirement at the time the transactions were examined. The finding was contrary to paragraphs 1405 and 1420(i) of the Financial Regulations 2009, which provide for the retirement and accountability of advances granted to public officers. The review identified the absence of evidence of retirement as creating risks of loss or diversion of government funds. In its response, the management of the department disputed the finding, stating, “Your comments… were noted. Please note that all cash advances granted to staff in 2019 were duly retired.”

However, the review finding had identified the absence of documentary evidence of retirement at the time of inspection.

It was also found that a government vehicle valued at ₦5 million was retained by a retired staff member. The vehicle, a Toyota Hilux Van with registration number CT 395 A11, was purchased in 2005 and was reportedly taken by a staff member of the Regional Infrastructure Unit when he retired in 2016.

The officer received his full exit entitlements despite failing to return the vehicle. The Hilux had a written-down value of ₦5 million at the time of the review. The retention of the vehicle was contrary to Public Service Rule 160202, Establishment Circular SGF.19/S.52/V/720, and paragraph 112(i) of the Financial Regulations 2009. The issue as pose risks of loss of government assets, waste of government resources, and conversion of government property.

In its response, management acknowledged the finding but stated that the vehicle had significantly depreciated. “Your findings were noted. Please, we want to inform you that the said Hilux Van is strongly depreciated in value and currently immovable.”

Further flagged was ₦5,255,000 spent on staff training and workshops without supporting evidence showing that the activities were carried out.

No completion certificate or attendance register was produced to establish that the training and workshops for which the funds were spent had been executed. The expenditure is contrary to paragraphs 708, 603(i), and 415 of the Financial Regulations 2009. The absence of execution records creates risks of loss of government funds, payment for services not rendered and diversion of public funds.