The Auditor-General for the Federation, Shaakaa Chira, has underscored the critical role of documentation and record keeping in governance and national development. Speaking through Babalola Olanrewaju, Director of Audit, International Audit Development, at the public presentation of the book Record Keeping Fundamentals: Securing your Legacy in Nigeria's Tax Era in Abuja on Thursday, Chira described records as essential evidence, distinct from mere confidence. He noted that poor documentation distorts institutional and personal histories and emphasized the book's relevance to individuals, homes, businesses and future generations. The book was authored by Patience Odele, an official in the Office of the Auditor-General attached to the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Odele said the work was inspired by over 13 years of auditing experience and personal reflection, aiming to instill a stronger record-keeping culture among Nigerians. She stressed that records extend beyond finance to include birth certificates, passports, land papers, receipts, invoices and travel tickets, all vital for identity, proof and protection. According to Odele, poor documentation leads to inheritance disputes, property conflicts and business losses, urging small-scale traders to maintain accurate sales and purchase records. Dr Fawale Ayinla, Director of Audit in the Office of the Auditor-General, stated the 196-page book addresses challenges like excessive taxation, rejected loans and legal battles due to weak record practices. He said trustworthy records must meet standards of authenticity, reliability, integrity and usability. Amb. Godknows Igali, former Ambassador to Scandinavian countries and National Chairman of PANDEF, praised Odele for documenting her professional journey, noting many Nigerian public servants retire or die without preserving their experiences.
Shaakaa Chira highlights record keeping as vital to governance, yet his office remains unable to ensure compliance across ministries. Patience Odele's book targets everyday Nigerians, but the failure of public servants like her to document their work undermines institutional memory. If those within the Auditor-General's office only act through symbolic gestures, systemic change remains rhetorical. The irony is that a guide on accountability emerges from a system where records are routinely lost or ignored.
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