Reps issue final summons to Accountant-General over snub, threaten sanctions

Nigeria's House of Representatives Public Accounts Committee has issued a final summons to the Accountant-General of the Federation, Shamsudeen Ogunjimi, citing his persistent failure to attend meetings and provide necessary documentation. The committee, chaired by Bamidele Salam, has directed Ogunjimi to appear in person on July 13, 2026.

Lawmakers expressed strong dissatisfaction with the Accountant-General's perceived "non-responsive" attitude. They warned that this lack of cooperation with the National Assembly obstructs transparency and accountability in the management of public funds. The committee noted that multiple requests for documents and appearances over recent months have gone unanswered.

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The Public Accounts Committee is worried that the Accountant-General is not showing any diligence in the rendering of accounts of his office and the preparation of the country’s consolidated financial statements, thus setting a bad example for other agencies of government.

Committee chairman Bamidele Salam stated that the panel is particularly concerned by the Accountant-General's lack of diligence in fulfilling his core duties. "The Public Accounts Committee is worried that the Accountant-General is not showing any diligence in the rendering of accounts of his office and the preparation of the country’s consolidated financial statements, thus setting a bad example for other agencies of government," the statement read.

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The Office of the Accountant-General occupies a strategic position in Nigeria’s public financial management system. As a critical institution entrusted with the management of public finances, it is expected to work closely with the Committee in the discharge of its oversight responsibilities. Unfortunately, the current Accountant-General has not demonstrated the level of cooperation expected of the office.

Salam described the conduct as disappointing, emphasizing the strategic importance of the Accountant-General's office within Nigeria's public financial management system. He stressed that the office is expected to maintain close collaboration with the legislature for effective oversight. The committee also extended invitations to six other Ministries, Departments, and Agencies whose chief accounting officers have also reportedly ignored previous summonses.

The committee affirmed its commitment to enforcing legislative oversight, asserting that public officials are accountable to Nigerians through their elected representatives. "No public officer or institution is above accountability to the Nigerian people through their elected representatives," Salam declared.

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No public officer or institution is above accountability to the Nigerian people through their elected representatives.