Yobe Determined To Uphold Auditing Standards, Zero Tolerance For Corruption – Buni

The Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni, has reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to upholding professional auditing standards and maintaining zero tolerance for corruption in the management of public resources.

A statement from the Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor, Hussaini Mai suleh said Buni stated this when he received members of the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria (FRCN), led by the State Auditor-General, Alhaji Mai Aliyu Umar Gulani, on a courtesy visit to the Government House in Damaturu.

The governor, who was represented by his deputy, Hon. Idi Barde Gubana, said auditors play a critical role in promoting accountability and transparency in public institutions, stressing that adherence to professional ethics remains key to preventing financial mismanagement and fraud.

According to him, the state government places a high premium on discipline, integrity and professionalism in the auditing profession to ensure prudent management of public funds.

He commended the State Auditor-General for providing professional guidance to public office holders, noting that such advisory roles help prevent inadvertent financial misappropriation and strengthen internal control systems within government institutions.

Buni also highlighted Yobe State’s achievements in fiscal transparency and accountability, noting that the state has gained national recognition for its commitment to sound financial management.

He revealed that the state emerged the best in the Fiscal Transparency, Accountability and Sustainability (SFTAS) programme, a World Bank-supported initiative, after improving from 13th position in 2020 to 5th in 2021, and eventually securing the first position in the 2023 and 2024 assessments.

The governor assured the delegation that the state government would continue to sustain its leading position by promoting ethical conduct and professionalism in the auditing process.

The State Auditor-General, Alhaji Mai Aliyu Umar Gulani has while speaking said the visit by the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria was part of its mandate to ensure compliance with its public notice of January 5, 2026, in line with the provisions of the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria Act (2023) as amended.

He noted that the engagement demonstrates the importance of the audit function in strengthening public financial management and contributing to both state and national economic development.

Gulani commended the Yobe State Government for its continued support to public sector institutions, which he said has created an enabling environment for audit personnel to effectively discharge their statutory responsibilities in line with evolving international standards in financial management and reporting.

Also speaking, the leader of the delegation and Director of Accounting Standards (Private Sector) at the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria, Musa Kabiru Jemaku, said the council remains the apex regulatory body responsible for enhancing investors’ confidence and ensuring transparency in financial reporting.

He explained that the council enforces high standards in auditing, valuation, monitoring and compliance with financial reporting regulations across both public and private sectors.