The audit covered the time Nelson Korquoi, a stalwart (diehard) of the opposition Congress for Democratic Change (CDC) was the sitting superintendent.
A comprehensive audit of Nimba County’s financial operations, has uncovered widespread irregularities that involved more than US$12 million, and over L$55 million.
The report raised concerns about financial accountability and the management of public resources in the county during the period under review.
The findings are contained in a report the General Auditing Commission (GAC) issued covering the period from July 1, 2018, to December 31, 2023.
The audit covered the time Nelson Korquoi, a stalwart (diehard) of the opposition Congress for Democratic Change (CDC) was the sitting superintendent.
The report forms part of a series of audits conducted on government institutions and local administrations.
County authorities and project management structures, the audit said, made payments totaling US$2.54 million and L$34.83 million for “goods and services” without sufficient supporting documentation or evidence that the transactions were properly executed.
One of the most alarming findings centers on a procurement arrangement, which involved Khaili and Son.
Auditors reported that the Project Management Committee (PMC), and the County Administration, contracted the company to supply spare parts valued at US$500,000.
The report indicates that only US$165,000 worth of spare parts were delivered, leaving a balance of US$335,000 unaccounted for.
Auditors noted that no evidence was provided to justify the missing amount or explain whether the remaining supplies were ever delivered.
The GAC also identified major shortcomings in the implementation of development projects.
Nine district projects valued at US$735,624.03 were found to be abandoned, or left unfinished despite substantial disbursements. Auditors further observed a lack of monitoring and quality control mechanisms for these projects. Payments were reportedly made to contractors, but several projects remained incomplete, raising questions about oversight and value for money.
The report also highlighted irregularities in fuel procurement.
County authorities approved the purchase of 71,561 gallons of diesel at a cost of US$287,043.75.
However, records auditors reviewed showed that 76,086 gallons were actually purchased for US$304,342.76.
This resulted in an excess expenditure of US$17,300 for 4,325 additional gallons of fuel that were reportedly acquired without the required approval, according to the audit.
Another significant concern involves discrepancies between fiscal reports the county administration submitted, and official government fiscal outturn reports.
Auditors identified net variances totaling US$5.06 million over the review period.
The GAC stated that county authorities failed to provide evidence of approved recast budgets, or adjustments that could justify the differences, creating uncertainty over how public funds were allocated and spent.
The audit also revealed that cheques valued at US$29,492.18 remained outstanding beyond the legally prescribed six-month validity period, and had not been cashed by the intended beneficiaries.
Additionally, contributions and financial assistance amounting to US$444,100.75 were reportedly provided to various institutions without adequate documentation to verify the transactions or establish accountability for the funds.
Tax compliance issues also emerged during the audit.
The report found no evidence that Personal Income Tax (PIT) totaling US$21,631 was withheld, and remitted to government revenue accounts between September, 2021, and December, 2023, as the law required.
Auditors further disclosed that county management made third-party payments totaling US$457,914.99 and L$18.77 million on behalf of employees, instead of making direct payments to service providers, a practice that increases the risk of misuse and weakens financial controls.
Travel-related expenditures also came under scrutiny. The report documented irregularities that involved US$9,705 and L$1.62 million in travel expenses, with supporting documents either incomplete or unavailable for verification.
In another troubling finding, auditors cited irregularities associated with fixed assets valued at US$224,549, indicating weaknesses in asset management and recordkeeping procedures.
Questions were also raised regarding the management of the Social Development Fund ArcelorMittal Liberia contributed.
The GAC reported that county authorities failed to provide expenditure reports or detailed records explaining the use of US$1.49 million received under the fund.
The audit additionally uncovered irregularities linked to internally generated revenue from metal scrap sales in the county, involving US$849,318.63.
Auditors indicated that documentation supporting the collection, and utilization of the revenue was either inadequate or missing.
Further concerns were identified in the management of accounts receivable amounting to US$137,976.06 and accounts payable totaling US$390,111.39, with auditors citing inconsistencies and poor record management practices.
The report paints a troubling picture of financial governance in the county during the six-year review period, revealing systemic weaknesses in procurement, project implementation, revenue management, tax compliance, and financial reporting.
The findings are expected to intensify calls for investigations, recovery of unaccounted funds, and stronger accountability measures to ensure that public resources intended for development are protected and used for the benefit of citizens.