Internal auditors in the Lagos State public service have reaffirmed their commitment to transparency, accountability and effective governance following the conclusion of the 18th Internal Auditors’ Retreat held at Jubilee Chalet, Epe.
Epe Insights reports that the three-day retreat brought together auditors across Ministries, Departments and Agencies to strengthen collaboration and reposition internal audit as a strategic driver of sustainable governance in Lagos State.
Declaring the retreat open, the Special Adviser to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Internal Audit, Dr Oyeyemi Ayoola, FCA, described internal auditors as key to transparency, risk management and the successful delivery of the State’s 2026 Budget and T.H.E.M.E.S Plus Agenda.
Dr Ayoola urged auditors to move beyond routine expenditure checks and embrace broader responsibilities such as revenue assurance, advisory roles and proactive risk mitigation, noting that Lagos State’s position as Africa’s fifth-largest economy demands strong internal controls.
She assured participants of institutional support and disclosed that the State Government would prioritise competency-based training to strengthen professionalism and value delivery within the internal audit system.
The Permanent Secretary, Office of Internal Audit, Mrs Monsurat Titilope Alaka, emphasised unity, teamwork and continuous development, noting that the retreat theme reflects the evolving role of internal audit in supporting informed decision-making and operational efficiency.
She highlighted the relevance of internal auditors to all pillars of the T.H.E.M.E.S Plus Agenda and commended Governor Sanwo-Olu for supporting institutional strengthening and fiscal discipline.
Goodwill messages were delivered by the Chairman, Lagos State House of Assembly Committee on Public Accounts, Hon. Kehinde Olaide Joseph, and the Accountant-General of Lagos State, Dr Abiodun Muritala, who both stressed unity, credibility in financial reporting and proactive audit practices.
The retreat featured presentations and interactive sessions focused on innovation, accountability and improved service delivery across the public sector.
