The Athletics Federation of Nigeria’s (AFN) First Vice President, Tafida Gadzama, has lauded the audit committee for its meticulous examination of the federation’s finances despite facing numerous challenges.

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Addressing recent claims of discord within the AFN board over the audit report, Gadzama clarified the committee’s role and the circumstances surrounding its investigation.

The audit committee, led by Gadzama and comprising Victor Okorie, Samuel Onikeku, Oludare Esan, and Mrs. Maria Worphil, was established by the AFN executive board.

This move was in line with Article 14.3.3 of the 2023 constitution, granting the board authority over administrative, technical, and financial matters.

Gadzama explained that the committee requested relevant financial documents from the federation’s Secretary General, Mrs. Rita Moshindi.

Despite Moshindi providing some expenditure sheets, she allegedly refused to submit approvals, evidence of payments, and a copy of the agreement with Premium Trust Bank, prompting the committee to report her actions as an “affront” on the executive board and the AFN constitution.

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In response to the secretary general’s alleged insubordination, the committee issued deadlines for compliance. However, Moshindi reportedly failed to submit the requested documents, leading the committee to express dissatisfaction with the lack of intervention from AFN President, Mr. Tonobok Ojuru Okowa.

The audit committee also highlighted issues related to the AFN’s agreement with Premium Trust Bank, including an ‘updated MOU’ sent to board members two days before the official signing.

The committee questioned the secretary general’s failure to provide minutes or audio recordings of a meeting where it was mentioned that the president should personally fund AFN activities.

Moreover, Gadzama emphasized that certain AFN events occurred before the effective date of the federation’s agreement with Premium Trust Bank, adding complexity to the financial evaluation.

As the AFN navigates these challenges, the audit committee’s commitment to transparency and accountability in the federation’s financial affairs remains a focal point, with their findings expected to shape the future trajectory of the Nigerian athletics administration.