FAAN Audit Report:  172,328 dollars Foreign Trips Undertaken Without Appropriate Approval

Secrets Reporters

An audit report has uncovered foreign travel expenses amounting to 172,328 dollars allegedly incurred by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) without the required approvals from the appropriate authorities.

The finding, classified as Audit Issue 10, relates to payments made to Adewale Adetula for estacodes, air tickets and incidental expenses connected to various overseas trips.

According to the auditors, the trips were undertaken without prior approval from the authorities designated under existing government regulations.

Foreign trips without required approval

The auditors cited Civil Service Circular Ref. No. HCSF/CSO/HRM/Pol.1402/1 dated January 22, 2015, which restricts foreign training, conferences, seminars, workshops and travels by public servants unless the required approval is obtained.

Under the circular, approval for such foreign engagements is required from the appropriate government authority, including the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation for public servants.

The audit also referenced another circular, Ref. No. HCSF/PS/SD/164/1/19 dated January 30, 2017, which outlines mandatory documentation required for payment claims and audit clearance relating to international travels.

However, the auditors said the required approvals and documents were not seen during the audit.

The report found that FAAN paid 172,328 dollars to Adewale Adetula for estacodes, air tickets and incidental expenses for various foreign trips.

Although the trips were not initially approved by the appropriate authorities, the auditors noted that approval was subsequently obtained from the Minister of Aviation to enable the nominated staff member to attend and report on the Munich Airport International Exchange and Technical Cooperation Programme, among other engagements.

According to the auditors, obtaining the ministerial approval did not cure the initial violation of the applicable civil service circulars, which require the appropriate approval for foreign travels.

Risk of unauthorised expenditure

The auditors warned that the absence of proper approval for overseas trips creates the possibility of public funds being diverted through unauthorised or illegal trips.

There is also a risk that public funds could be paid to staff for programmes, conferences or other engagements that had not been properly approved by the relevant authorities.

The audit finding therefore raises questions about FAAN’s compliance with government regulations governing international travels and the controls in place to ensure that public funds are only released for duly authorised official engagements.

The auditors recommended that the Managing Director of FAAN explain the violation of the applicable civil service circulars and justify the payment of 172,328 dollars.

The Managing Director was also advised to recover the full sum of 172,328 dollars from the officer concerned and forward evidence of the recovery to the auditors for confirmation.

The finding highlights concerns over FAAN’s adherence to established procedures for approving and funding international travels, particularly where substantial public funds are involved.