THE CHALLENGES OF INTERNAL AUDIT FUNCTION IN THE NIGERIAN PUBLIC SECTOR.

This research work deals with the challenges of internal audit function in the Nigerian public sector with reference to Kaduna state ministry of finance. Internal auditing is a process generally adopted towards ensuring and safeguarding of resources and promoting operational efficiency in organization. The objective of this study has been to evaluate the internal control system in the Nigerian public sectors, to ascertain the non- implementation of routine audit report and the lack of proper segregation and assignment of duties. In recent times, a combination of forces has led to a quiet revolution in the profession. Government moving towards democracy  must  demonstrate  accountability  in  the  use  of  public  money  and efficiency in the delivery of service. In many cases internal control system are weak,  staffs  are  poorly  paid  making  them  unmotivated,  coupled  with  non- implementation of routine audit report by appropriate authorities.

The Responses from  staffs  were  analyzed  using  relevant  statistical  tools  from  which  three hypothesis were formulated and tested using Z-test statistics,  while questionnaire were analyzed in tabular form using simple percentage. It was discovered that the internal audit is facing a lot of challenges which includes inadequate staffing, lack of  independence,  lack  of  facilities  to  carry  out  audit  function  and  also  poor funding. As a result of some of these challenges the effectiveness of the internal audit in the Nigerian public sectors, has been hindered as well as the organizational change it can bring to its environment. I recommend that for internal audit to be effective,  it  must  be  a  completely  independent  group,  adequately  funded  and equipped with qualified internal auditors as well as sufficient opportunities for internal auditors to become qualified.