Baghdad: The Cabinet, during its regular session on Thursday, decided to transfer the responsibility for the pre-auditing of government contracts to the Federal Board of Supreme Audit. This decision includes the directive to complete the pre-audit of strategic, urgent, and contracts exceeding one billion Iraqi dinars within 10 working days.
According to Iraqi News Agency, Prime Minister Ali Faleh al-Zaidi chaired the thirteenth regular session of the Cabinet, where developments in the country were discussed, and agenda items were reviewed. The session resulted in the issuance of necessary directives and decisions, including the cancellation of Diwani Order No. (54) of 2026 and disbanding the committee established under it, thereby transferring pre-audit responsibilities to the Federal Board of Supreme Audit.
The statement from the Prime Minister's Media Office highlighted the Cabinet's approval for the adoption of a guide designed to ensure early coordination between contracting entities and oversight bodies. This coordination will commence with the preparation of contract documents and continue throughout the contractual process to address any observations before finalizing the contract award procedures. The Board will classify contracts by nature, value, urgency, and risk level, setting binding deadlines for the completion of the pre-audit for each category.
Additionally, the Cabinet decided that strategic and urgent contracts, or those over one billion Iraqi dinars, must have their pre-audit completed within 10 working days. The Federal Board of Supreme Audit will maintain its post-audit responsibilities as per applicable legislation, while relevant oversight bodies will complete reviews of contracts currently before the Board's committee to prevent disruptions to government contracts and projects.
In the same session, the Cabinet approved the eighth annual report of the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Council for 2025, emphasizing the Council's continued efforts in combating money laundering and terrorism financing.
On matters concerning the electricity sector, the Cabinet approved recommendations for operating and maintaining the Rumaila and Shatt al-Arab simple-cycle power plants through a public tender process. This process aims to ensure impartiality, transparency, and fair competition among bidders.
The statement also noted amendments to Cabinet Resolutions No. (264) and No. (278) of 2026, mandating the Ministry of Oil to supply fuel quantities under the electricity supply contract to the northern region, effective from May 26, 2026. Furthermore, the Cabinet exempted Ministry of Electricity projects under Cabinet Resolution No. (286) of 2026 from the Prime Minister's directive, ensuring adherence to estimated costs.
A price exemption for heavy fuel oil produced at the Karbala Refinery was also approved, maintaining the price at 150 Iraqi dinars per litre for two months from July 1, 2026, to August 31, 2026. The Cabinet voted to exempt import and export contracts for petroleum products from pre-audit procedures, supporting smooth operations at Iraqi ports until conditions stabilize in the Gulf region.
Concluding the session, the Cabinet approved the adoption of draft laws submitted to the Council of Representatives, aligning with the government's vision and ministerial program objectives.