House Committee Demands Answers from FCT Councils Over N100 Billion Audit Issues

The House of Representatives Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has given officials from the six Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Councils a seven-day deadline to address financial issues totaling about N100 billion. This decision comes after the councils failed to attend a previous meeting to discuss these concerns.

The councils involved are Abaji, Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Bwari, Gwagwalada, Kuje, and Kwali. The chairmen of these councils had requested to meet on September 22, 2026, but did not show up or send anyone in their place.

As a result, the PAC has summoned the Directors of Personnel Management and Finance, along with the Heads of Audit from these councils, to appear before them on October 14, 2026. Failure to comply could lead to penalties, according to the committee’s rules.

Rep. Bamidele Salam, the chairman of the PAC, stated that the councils have been repeatedly invited to provide necessary documents to clarify the audit queries. The queries are based on the Annual Audit Report from the Auditor-General for the year ending December 31, 2021. The report reveals that the councils owe around N7.65 billion due to unpaid pension deductions, taxes, and debts to contractors.

AMAC has the largest debt at N2.19 billion, followed by Bwari with N1.49 billion and Kwali with N1.46 billion. Other councils also have significant outstanding amounts. The Auditor-General has expressed concerns about the councils’ management of their assets, noting that poor record-keeping could lead to lost assets.

The PAC is also seeking clarification on N24.87 billion spent by the councils on various expenses in 2021. Salam mentioned that additional issues have been found in audits for 2022 and 2023, including possible underreporting of revenue and failure to submit financial accounts for the years 2023 to 2025.

The committee emphasizes the need for transparency and accountability in managing public funds, stating that those responsible for any wrongdoing will face consequences.