FENRAD sounds alarm over Abia’s weak audit transparency score

Nkem Ukaegbu, Umuahia

Following the release of the 2025 Subnational Audit Efficacy (SAE) Index, the Foundation for Environmental Rights, Advocacy and Development (FENRAD) has raised serious concerns over Abia State’s dismal performance, describing it as a troubling indicator of poor fiscal transparency and weak institutional accountability.

In a statement signed by the Executive Director, FENRAD, Comrade Nelson Nnanna Nwafor, according to the report, Abia State ranked 36th out of 36 states, with a score of just 9%, placing it at the bottom of the national accountability scale.

The findings highlight systemic gaps in fiscal governance, including weak financial autonomy for audit institutions, poor publication of audit reports, limited oversight by the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), and low implementation of audit recommendations.

A regional comparison reveals that Abia State’s performance is particularly alarming within the South-East geopolitical zone: Anambra State – 24%; Ebonyi State – 21%; Enugu State – 21%; Imo State – 18%; Abia State – 9%.

While all South-East states perform below the national average of 34.5%, Abia lags significantly behind its regional peers, with a gap of up to 15 percentage points compared to the highest-performing state in the zone, Anambra.

FENRAD describes Abia State’s ranking as deeply troubling and unacceptable, emphasizing that citizens deserve prudent management of public resources and improved service delivery.

FENRAD stated: “Abia’s position at the bottom of the 2025 SAE Index is a clear reflection of systemic weaknesses in fiscal governance.This is not merely a ranking—it underscores the urgent need for institutional reforms, transparency in public financial management, and political will to implement audit recommendations.

The widening accountability gap between Abia and its South-East counterparts requires immediate corrective action.”

The low ranking has far-reaching consequences for the state: Erosion of public trust in government institutions
Inefficient utilization of public resources
Poor service delivery across critical sectors, increased exposure to corruption and financial mismanagement.

To address these challenges, FENRAD calls on the Abia State Government to ensure full financial and administrative autonomy of the Auditor-General’s office and guarantee timely public access to audited financial statements.

Strengthen the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), create mechanisms to track and implement audit findings, promote open budgeting, civic engagement, and public accountability platforms.

FENRAD also urged collaboration among the State House of Assembly, development partners, and civil society actors to reverse this negative trend.

FENRAD reiterated that accountability is the foundation of sustainable development.

The organization calls on Abia State to seize this moment to rebuild trust, strengthen institutions, and align with best practices in public financial management.

FENRAD remained committed to supporting reforms that ensure public resources are effectively managed for the benefit of all citizens.