Auditor-General, Others Highlight Importance Of Record Keeping In Nation Building

The Auditor-General for the Federation, Mr Shaakaa Chira, alongside other experts, has underscored the importance of record keeping in both official and personal life, describing it as a fundamental pillar of accountability, transparency, and effective resource management.

Chira made the remarks at the public presentation of the book, “Record Keeping Fundamentals: Securing Your Legacy in Nigeria’s Tax Era,” authored by Patience Doye Odele.

He said bookkeeping is not only essential in public institutions and businesses but also critical within households, where it supports financial discipline, stability, and responsible planning.

According to him, the publication reinforces the need for proper documentation for compliance, business sustainability, and wealth preservation in Nigeria.

Represented at the event by a Director in the Office of the Auditor-General for the Federation, Babalola Olanrewaju, Chira said record keeping remains central to the auditing profession and, by extension, national development.

“Record keeping is central to our job as auditors, so let us keep the spirit alive for the benefit of our country. It is good to put pen to paper for history. To us, record keeping is fundamental to our office,” he said.

He stressed the importance of documentary evidence in governance and administration, noting that assumptions without records are unreliable.

“There is an adage that says confidence is different from evidence. You may have confidence, but having evidence is equally important, and evidence comes from proper documentation. Documentation itself is the foundation of bookkeeping,” he said.

“All of us seated here, if our records from the date of birth are not properly organised, there may be distortions in the course of our growth and development.”

The Auditor-General added that the book’s message cuts across sectors and is equally relevant to individuals and families.

“I think this book speaks volumes to the private sector, individuals, and even families in their various homes. The importance of bookkeeping cannot be overemphasised, and we congratulate the author for this effort,” he added.

Reviewing the book, Dr Oluwabusayo Fawale, said weak record-keeping practices in Nigeria have continued to generate avoidable challenges, including excessive taxation, inheritance disputes, failed succession plans, rejected loan applications, and lost legal cases.

According to him, “Nigeria’s poor record-keeping causes costly problems—excessive taxes, inheritance disputes, failed succession, rejected loans, and lost legal cases. Over 13 years as an auditor, the author saw these issues.”

He noted that the book is particularly relevant to entrepreneurs, family business owners, and household managers, while also presenting record keeping as a mark of respect for work, family, and the future.

Also speaking, Ambassador Godknows Igali, a retired Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, expressed concern that many senior public officials failed to document their experiences, leading to the loss of valuable institutional memory.

Igali, who disclosed that he has authored five books, commended Odele, a Principal Auditor in the Federal Civil Service, for documenting her professional insights early in her career.

He said writing demands discipline, patience, and tenacity.

“Record Keeping is at the centre of existence,” he said, adding that what is not documented will usually get lost.

In his goodwill message, a member of the House of Representatives, Hon Afam Ogene, praised the author for her diligence, noting that she has demonstrated strong potential for professional advancement.

Earlier, the author, Ms Odele, said the book was inspired by her over 13 years of experience in the audit department.

“I have worked in the audit department for over 13 years, and whenever we conduct audits, our primary task is to examine records to enable us prepare accurate reports,” she said.

She added that many Nigerians do not give sufficient attention to proper documentation despite its importance.

Recounting a personal experience abroad, Odele said:

“At one point, I travelled to the Dominican Republic, where my passport and bag were stolen. That experience made me realise the true importance of personal record-keeping.

“I was unable to return to Nigeria because I no longer had my passport, and there was no Nigerian embassy in the Dominican Republic to assist me. As a result, I remained there for more than seven months while trying to recover my travel documents.”