Edo explains new audit law, benefits of Benin port to agric, FX earnings

Moves for effective implementation of town planning laws

GOVERNOR Godwin Obaseki has said the new Edo State audit law was to deepen accountability and transparency and make government agencies more accountable.

Inaugurating the Emmanuel Osaretin Omozuhiomwen- led fiveman Audit Service Commission at Government House, Benin City, he regretted that previous laws failed to deliver.

The governor said: “The Edo State Public Law 2019, which was re- enacted in 2021, provides for the establishment of the Edo State Audit Service Commission and the Office of the Auditor General of Edo State.

“This law is an outcome of an exercise supported by the World Bank to further deepen accountability and transparency in the way we run government functions and institutions. You have been chosen based on your experience and knowledge of the workings of government institutions and agencies to come and play this role.”

He continued: “We expect that the foundation members of this commission are going to be setting the pathway for the future of this commission. The standard you set today would determine the progress we make in putting in place what is required to make sure that government agencies account for financial resources given to them.” B

ESIDES, Obaseki said the Benin River Port would boost Nigeria’s agriculture exports and foreign exchange earnings.

For impact, the state government has appointed transactions advisers, CPCS, renowned for port logistics and infrastructure.

Represented by the Project Director, Dr. Joe Aigboduwa, the governor made the submission at the maiden Nigeria International Maritime Summit ( NIMS) in Lagos with the theme, Achieving Effective Trade Facilitation in Nigeria and Activating the Nigeria Agenda for African Continental Free Trade Area ( AFCFTA).