… Says All Questions Addressed With Documentary Evidence, Directs Enquiries to Auditor-General, National Assembly Public Accounts Committees
By Rashidat O. Okunlade | Lagos
A Comprehensive Response to Audit Observations
The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has responded comprehensively to the audit query from the Office of the Auditor-General regarding its 2023 expenditure, reaffirming its commitment to transparency, accountability, and due process.
The response has been officially submitted to the Office of the Auditor-General as well as the Public Accounts Committees of the National Assembly, according to a press statement issued on Tuesday, September 22, 2026.
Directing Enquiries to Oversight Institutions
NiDCOM stated that all enquiries about its 2023 Audited Report should be directed to the Office of the Auditor-General and the Public Accounts Committees of the National Assembly, which have the mandate for oversight.
The Commission assured that all questions raised have been addressed with documentary evidence.
A Query Is Not a Final Finding
NiDCOM emphasised that a query is meant to be responded to, and the Commission, like any other responsible government institution, has done exactly that.
“An audit observation is not, in itself, a final finding of wrongdoing.”
The Commission stated that it is premature and inappropriate for any organisation to prejudge its response or draw conclusions before the relevant facts, records, and explanations have been fully considered.
Commitment to Due Process
NiDCOM reaffirmed its commitment to: Transparency, Accountability, Due process
Strategic Context: Understanding Audit Queries in Nigeria’s Public Finance System
Analysts say NiDCOM’s response reflects a proper understanding of Nigeria’s audit and oversight architecture.
Several factors underscore the significance of this clarification:
The Nature of Audit Queries
An audit query is a formal request for explanation or documentation regarding transactions flagged during an audit. It is a routine part of the accountability process not an indictment.
The Response Mechanism
Government institutions are required to respond to audit queries with documentary evidence. NiDCOM’s submission to both the Auditor-General and the National Assembly’s Public Accounts Committees follows established procedure.
The Oversight Mandate
The Public Accounts Committees of the National Assembly have the statutory mandate to examine audited accounts and audit queries, ensuring that public funds are properly accounted for.
The Presumption of Regularity
Until an audit query is fully examined and conclusions are reached, the presumption of regularity applies. Public institutions are entitled to respond to observations before any adverse findings are made.
The Transparency Signal
NiDCOM’s decision to publicly acknowledge the query and its response signals a commitment to transparency, a departure from the tendency of some agencies to treat audit queries as confidential matters.
What To Know About NiDCOM
The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) is the federal agency responsible for engaging with Nigerians abroad, promoting their interests, and facilitating their contributions to national development. Established in 2019, the Commission operates under the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The Road Ahead
As the Auditor-General and the National Assembly’s Public Accounts Committees review NiDCOM’s response, the Commission has made its position clear: it has responded to all queries with documentary evidence and is committed to full accountability.
For stakeholders and the public, the message is unambiguous: enquiries about NiDCOM’s 2023 Audited Report should be directed to the Office of the Auditor-General and the Public Accounts Committees, the institutions constitutionally mandated to oversee public expenditure.
This special report is part of ROTAMediaNews’ ongoing coverage of public finance, accountability, and governance in Nigeria. Follow us for exclusive insights and in-depth analysis.
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