Minister of Cities, Local Government and Public Works Adam Shareef Umar has stated that strengthening internal audit is essential for the effective functioning of local councils.

He made the remarks while inaugurating the Local Councils Internal Audit Conference, organised jointly by the Local Government Authority (LGA) and the Internal Audit Association of the Maldives (IAA).

Speaking at the opening, the Minister said internal audit plays a crucial role in supporting proactive action within councils, helping institutions avoid errors and improve service delivery. He added that strong internal audit systems are fundamental for any institution that aims to operate effectively.

The Minister also called on participants to address the challenges faced by councils in implementing the Public Finance Act. He expressed confidence that the discussions would contribute to further strengthening the Decentralization Act and enhancing overall governance in local administrations.

The two-day conference, held at the STELCO auditorium, serves as an orientation and capacity-building programme for newly appointed council auditors. It aims to enhance their skills, strengthen practical audit capabilities and introduce best practices in internal oversight. This year’s theme is “Strengthening Governance: Introducing Internal Audit for Effective Council Oversight”.

Representatives from the Ministry of Finance and Planning and local councils are taking part in the event, which will cover a range of internal audit-related issues. This is the first dedicated forum for council internal auditors, and organisers plan to continue the initiative as a series of future forums.