The Lagos House of Assembly has begun probing the 20 local governments and 37 local government development areas (LCDAs) to justify the accountability of public funds in the state.

The chairman House Committee on Public Accounts (local), Mojeed Fatai, said this at the commencement of the first phase of the screening in Lagos on Saturday.

Mr Fatai noted that the probe by the Joint Committee on Public Account (local) and Committee on Local Government Administration and Community Affairs had begun oversight functions to ensure acceptability.

“The exercise was to evaluate the 20 Local Government Councils, LGs and 37 LCDAs in the state. This is the first phase, and it is to run till Thursday, with Kosofe LG, Agboyi-Ketu LCDA, Ikosi-Isheri LCDA, Yaba LG, Lekki LG, Ibeju-Lekki LCDA, Imota LCDA, Epe LG, Isolo LG, Lagos-Island LCDA, Itire-Ikate LCDA amongst others,” he stated.

Mr Fatai said the probe aimed to ensure the funds from Joint Accounts Allocation Committee (JAAC) allocated to local governments and council development areas were expended judiciously.

”This is as it is contained in the relevant year budget approval and for the purpose of development in the state,” he said.

Mr Fatai added that the reports of its findings from the joint committee after the probe would be presented at the plenary of the House for debate and further scrutiny.

(NAN)