Muscat – State Audit Institution (SAI) has reported the recovery of RO58mn for the State Treasury through its financial oversight and follow-up activities in 2023 and 2024. The figure includes RO25mn recovered in 2024 and RO33mn in 2023, as detailed in its 2024 annual report. It also reported that 25 cases of misuse of public funds were addressed in 2024. These include instances of abuse of position, bribery, forgery, embezzlement and other administrative violations.

According to the report, these recoveries resulted from SAI’s sustained follow-up of pending funds and verification of supporting documents after submission of the 2023 audit findings. It also outlines the results of financial and administrative reviews of several government units, state-owned entities and investments, in addition to measures taken to promote integrity and accountability.

Ahmed bin Salem al Rujaibi, Deputy Chairman for Government Units at SAI, said the report was issued in line with the Royal Directives of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik to uphold the principles of transparency, integrity and accountability in all sectors. He said SAI’s role extends to fostering public participation in strengthening the national oversight system.

Rujaibi noted that the 2024 audit was conducted in accordance with Oman Vision 2040 objectives and standards set by the International Organization of Supreme Audit Institutions (INTOSAI). The audit plan, based on relative importance and risk assessment, included 225 examination tasks and produced 172 detailed reports.

Key areas of focus included performance assessment of monitored entities, governance of information technology systems, evaluation of public service delivery, and audits of contracts and financial operations.

SAI also reviewed 63 draft legislative documents related to financial, accounting and tax matters, providing technical inputs to enhance regulatory frameworks.

In addition, SAI processed 1,378 complaints and reports of financial or administrative irregularities, resolving 90% of these. It implemented public awareness initiatives – including media campaigns, publications and seminars – aimed at enhancing institutional transparency and protecting public funds.

According to the report, the 2024 findings demonstrate continued progress in promoting accountability and good governance, key pillars of the Vision 2040 reform agenda.