Aleke Aleke in Abuja
The Auditor-General for the Federation, Mr Shaakaa Chira, has reiterated that record-keeping is central to the auditing profession and remains critical to national development, stressing that accurate documentation is the foundation of transparency, accountability, and effective governance.
He explained that without proper records, auditing processes become difficult, less reliable, and ultimately ineffective, adding that strong record-keeping systems are essential for sound financial management and sustainable national progress.
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Chira made the remarks at the official unveiling of the book, “Record Keeping Fundamentals: Securing Your Legacy in Nigeria’s Tax Era,” authored by Patience Doye Odele.
He said the publication underscores the importance of proper record-keeping for regulatory compliance, business continuity, and wealth protection in Nigeria.
Represented by a Director in the Office of the Auditor-General for the Federation, Babalola Olanrewaju, he emphasised that record-keeping strengthens accountability, promotes transparency, enhances financial discipline, and improves resource management across both public and private sectors.
He said, “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.
“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.
“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.”
He further noted that the principles outlined in the book are relevant not only to institutions and businesses but also to individuals and households.
“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 poor record-keeping in Nigeria continues to result in significant challenges, including excessive taxation, inheritance disputes, failed succession planning, loan rejections, and unfavourable legal outcomes.
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 explained that the book targets entrepreneurs, family business owners, and household managers, while presenting record-keeping as a mark of responsibility and foresight in managing work, family, and future obligations.
Earlier, the author, Ms Patience Doye Odele, said the book was inspired by her over 13 years of experience in the audit department, where examining records remains central to preparing accurate reports.
She noted that many Nigerians underestimate the importance of proper documentation, adding that her professional experience motivated her to document and share practical lessons gained over the years.
Recalling a personal experience abroad, she 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.”
