Nigerian Senate Warns Agencies Against Ignoring Summons, Threatens Sanctions

Nigeria's Senate has issued a stern warning to Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) and Government-Owned Enterprises (GOEs), threatening sanctions for those that fail to honor the chamber's or its committees' invitations. This directive comes amid growing concern over the persistent refusal of some agencies to participate in crucial interactive sessions.

The Senate Committee on Finance, in particular, has faced difficulties in engaging with certain entities regarding internally generated revenue, operating surpluses, and remittances into the Consolidated Revenue Fund (CRF). The upper legislative chamber has resolved to leverage its constitutional powers, as outlined in Sections 88 and 89 of the 1999 Constitution, to enforce compliance and deter obstruction of its oversight functions.

This resolution was prompted by a motion sponsored by Senator Sani Musa, Chairman of the Committee on Finance, and co-sponsored by 28 other senators. The motion highlighted the "Persistent Non-Compliance by Government-Owned Enterprises (GOEs) and Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) with the Oversight Activities of the Senate Committee on Finance." The Senate also urged the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, the Head of the Civil Service, and relevant ministers to ensure their supervised agencies comply with all legislative summonses and directives.

The Senate has adjourned for its annual recess until September 15. During this period, the Clerk to the National Assembly is tasked with communicating the Senate's resolution to all affected MDAs, GOEs, and relevant authorities. The chamber further resolved that any agency that defies invitations or hinders legislative oversight will face enforcement measures stipulated in the Constitution, the Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act, the Fiscal Responsibility Act, and the Senate Standing Orders.

Several prominent agencies, including the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), and the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), are among those expected to provide explanations for alleged non-remittances into the CRF between 2023 and 2025. Senator Musa emphasized the National Assembly's constitutional mandate to investigate public fund administration, expose corruption and inefficiency, and promote accountability, citing Order 97 of the Senate Standing Orders which empowers committees to conduct oversight.

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The National Assembly was constitutionally empowered to investigate the administration and expenditure of public funds, expose corruption, inefficiency and waste, and promote accountability.