MUSCAT: The State Audit Institution (SAI) has reported significant financial recoveries totalling approximately RO 58 million for the public treasury, according to its 2024 annual report released on Sunday.
The recovered funds include RO 25 million collected in 2024 and RO 33 million the previous year (2023), representing a substantial recovery through the institution's comprehensive audit activities.
The summary was released following the honour accorded to Shaikh Ghosn bin Hilal al Alawi, Chairman of the State Audit Institution (SAI), of presenting the institution's annual report for the year 2024 to His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik and copies thereof to the Council of Ministers, the State Council and the Majlis Ash'shura. This comes in implementation of the provision of Article (66) of the Basic Law of the State issued by Royal Decree No 6/2021, and Article (29) of the State Financial and Administrative Audit Law issued by Royal Decree No 111/2011.
Ahmed bin Salim al Rujaibi, SAI Deputy Chairman for Government Units Auditing, emphasised the institution's alignment with national transparency objectives. "This summary reflects His Majesty's vision for promoting accountability and integrity across all sectors while engaging society in strengthening oversight systems to achieve our national goals," Al Rujaibi stated.
He added that the 2024 audit programme, structured around Oman Vision 2040 targets and international auditing standards, encompassed 225 examination tasks resulting in 172 detailed reports. Key focus areas included performance evaluation of monitored entities, information technology governance, service delivery assessment, and comprehensive review of contracts and financial operations.
He said that the institution addressed 25 cases involving public funds under judicial consideration, including matters related to position exploitation, bribery, document forgery, embezzlement and functional duty violations. Additionally, audit professionals reviewed 63 legislative documents concerning financial, accounting and taxation matters, providing substantive technical feedback to enhance regulatory frameworks.
He added that the institution maintained robust public engagement channels, processing 1,378 complaints and reports concerning financial and administrative irregularities with a 90-per cent resolution rate. These efforts were complemented by extensive awareness programmes including media campaigns, publications and educational seminars, designed to strengthen institutional integrity and public financial protection.
Al Rujaibi concluded that the annual summary demonstrates the State Audit Institution's systematic approach to financial governance, combining rigorous examination standards with proactive public engagement to safeguard national resources and support Oman's long-term development objectives. - ONA
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