Background of the Study
Government audits are essential tools for ensuring accountability and transparency in the management of public resources. In Nigeria, the Office of the Auditor General of the Federation (OAuGF) is responsible for auditing federal government accounts and providing oversight to prevent mismanagement of public funds.
Auditing processes involve evaluating financial records, ensuring compliance with laws, and identifying instances of waste, fraud, or abuse. The effectiveness of audits has been linked to reduced corruption and improved governance (World Bank, 2023). However, the OAuGF faces challenges such as limited resources, political interference, and inadequate enforcement of audit recommendations.
This study explores the role of government audits in reducing the mismanagement of public funds, focusing on the Office of the Auditor General of the Federation.
Statement of the Problem
Despite the critical role of audits, Nigeria continues to face widespread financial mismanagement and corruption in public institutions. The failure to act on audit findings and recommendations has undermined the effectiveness of government audits.
Existing studies have largely focused on audit techniques rather than their impact on financial mismanagement. This study addresses this gap by analyzing the OAuGF’s role in reducing public fund mismanagement.
Objectives of the Study
Research Questions
Research Hypotheses
Scope and Limitations of the Study
The study examines audits conducted by the OAuGF from 2015 to 2025. Limitations include restricted access to detailed audit reports and resistance to revealing sensitive information.
Definitions of Terms