On Thursday, 24 April 2025, the National Audit Office (NAO) unveiled an impressive Strategic Plan totalling one billion six hundred and sixteen million nine hundred and twenty-seven thousand and nine hundred Dalasi (D1,616,922,900.00).
The strategic plan, ambitious in nature, spans the years 2025-2029 and aims to enhance the priorities outlined in the National Development Plan 2023-2027 for the NAO.
The plan is in accordance with the NDP, which emphasises, among other things, the necessity to enhance the administrative and financial independence of the NAO, to fulfil its mandate, and to improve the relationship with the National Assembly for increased oversight of the audit reports.
Binta Touray, the Communication and Visibility Expert of the NAO, emphasised that the attendees highlight the importance of the term National in the title of the institution National Audit Office.
According to her, the strategic document serves as a reflection of the Auditor General’s leadership role as outlined in the 1997 Constitution of the Gambia, which assigns the responsibility of auditing and reporting to the National Assembly regarding the utilisation and management of public resources.
Modou Ceesay, the Auditor General of the NAO, stated that the new strategic document delineates the objectives of the NAO for the upcoming five years, reflecting his renewed commitment as Auditor General to further enhance the office in fulfilling his constitutional mandate.
He stated that the strategic document is crucial for the NAO, as it motivates the SAI to generate work that enhances performance in the public sector and tackles societal challenges, a declaration that reflects the core objectives of the Supreme Audit Institutions, as outlined in principle 12 of the International Organisation of Supreme Audit Institutions (INTOSAI).
He emphasised that the core principle is to guarantee that SAI enhances the accountability, transparency, and integrity of government and public sector entities, showcasing its continuous significance to citizens, parliament, and other stakeholders. Ceesay committed to transforming the audit office into a model organisation.
To attain the specified strategic outputs, he stated that they have prioritised the institutional capacities that require development.
The capacities encompass governance systems of the NAO, Independence, Audit Standards and Methodology, HR and Professional Development, Quality Management, ICT and Communication, as well as Stakeholder Engagement.
He emphasised that the effective execution of this Strategic Plan relies on the involvement of all stakeholder groups present here today.
“Therefore, although the document is maintained by the NAO, its influence ultimately serves the citizens of our nation, in accordance with the Auditor General’s mandate,” stated AG Ceesay.
The Speaker of the National Assembly, Hon. Fabakary Tombong Jatta, emphasised the vital role of the NAO in enhancing the oversight function of the National Assembly over public institutions, stating, “Strategic planning is used as a tool for improving efficiency and effectiveness in service delivery.” It guarantees that public sector institutions establish their strategic directions and make well-informed and suitable decisions concerning resource allocation.
Speaker Jatta emphasised that the partnership between the National Audit Office and the National Assembly in holding the government accountable is essential for fostering good governance, reducing corruption, ensuring adherence to the rule of law, and promoting the growth of the democratic space.
He stated, “The NAO serves as a credible source of information and guidance for the National Assembly, aiding in the more effective accountability of the Government.” The organisation is expanding its presence in the Assembly, enhancing its communication strategies, and placing greater importance on fostering relationships with Hon. Members of the National Assembly and their staff.
The NAO aims to achieve four strategic outcomes: enhanced independence, increased public trust, improved public sector financial reporting, and better management of public resources.
