Tinubu Urged to Decide on Federal Audit Service Bill as Atiku Raises Accountability Concerns

The debate over transparency and public financial accountability has intensified after former Vice President Atiku Abubakar called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to either approve the long-awaited Federal Audit Service Bill or formally reject it in line with constitutional requirements.

The statement comes at a time when questions surrounding public expenditure, institutional oversight and governance have become increasingly prominent in national discourse, adding fresh pressure on the Federal Government to clarify its position on legislation aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s audit system.

Atiku Demands Constitutional Compliance

In a statement issued on Friday through his spokesperson, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku criticized what he described as the continued delay in presidential action on the Federal Audit Service Bill, which had already been transmitted to the President by the National Assembly.

According to the former vice president, the Constitution does not permit indefinite delays once a bill reaches the President for assent.

Citing Section 58(4) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), Atiku argued that the President is required to indicate assent or withhold assent within 30 days after receiving legislation from the National Assembly.

He maintained that the constitutional provision is mandatory and warned that prolonged inaction weakens public confidence in democratic governance and institutional accountability.

Why the Federal Audit Service Bill Matters

The proposed Federal Audit Service Bill is widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s major public finance reform initiatives.

If enacted into law, the legislation is expected to:

• Strengthen the independence of the Auditor-General.
• Modernize Nigeria’s public audit framework.
• Improve oversight of government spending.
• Enhance transparency and accountability across ministries, departments and agencies.
• Align Nigeria’s audit institutions with international public financial management standards.

Supporters of the bill believe stronger audit institutions could improve the monitoring of public funds and reduce opportunities for financial mismanagement.

Atiku Links Delay to Wider Governance Concerns

Beyond the audit legislation itself, Atiku argued that delays in implementing constitutional responsibilities could create broader institutional challenges.

According to him, governance problems often begin when oversight institutions become weak and constitutional provisions are not strictly observed.

He also referenced the controversy surrounding the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC), saying the situation highlighted the importance of maintaining strong institutional safeguards and clear government accountability mechanisms.

Although investigations and official clarifications relating to the PFIPC matter remain ongoing, Atiku said conflicting public narratives have contributed to concerns about transparency and public trust.

Debate Over Public Spending

The latest political exchange also comes amid discussions surrounding reports relating to government expenditure.

Recent public debate has focused on claims involving ₦8.8 trillion in unaccounted expenditure allegedly referenced in discussions involving the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

However, it is important to distinguish between political claims and independently verified findings. At the time of publication, no official IMF audit report publicly declaring that the Tinubu administration has ₦8.8 trillion in “unaccounted funds” has been confirmed. Any such allegation remains part of ongoing political debate unless supported by official government or IMF documentation.

Timeline of Events

• National Assembly passes the Federal Audit Service Bill.
• The legislation is transmitted to President Bola Tinubu for presidential assent.
• Constitutional provisions require presidential assent or withholding of assent within 30 days after presentation.
• Months later, Atiku Abubakar publicly criticizes the delay.
• The comments emerge alongside broader national discussions on public accountability and governance reforms.

Why This Story Matters

The Federal Audit Service Bill has implications that extend beyond routine legislation.

Financial oversight laws influence how public money is monitored, how government agencies are audited and how accountability institutions operate.

With increasing public attention on transparency, procurement practices and government expenditure, the eventual decision on the bill could shape future reforms aimed at improving confidence in Nigeria’s public financial management system.

Political observers are now watching for the Presidency’s official response regarding the legislation and whether further action will be taken by the National Assembly if the bill remains unsigned.