Reps Summon Accountant-General, Six MDAs Over Failure to Honour Invitations

Nigeria's House of Representatives Public Accounts Committee has issued a final summons to the Accountant-General of the Federation, Mr. Shamseldeen Babatunde Ogunjimi, expressing strong displeasure over his "non-responsive attitude." The committee stated that the Accountant-General's conduct falls short of the expectations for the nation's chief accounting officer.

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his conduct falls short of the expectations of the country’s chief accounting officer.

The committee's concerns stem from Ogunjimi's repeated failure to honor invitations extended to him and his inability to provide critical documents necessary for the committee's oversight responsibilities and constitutional duties. During a recent sitting, chaired by Hon. Bamidele Salam, the committee issued what was described as a final invitation, demanding his personal appearance on Monday, July 13, 2026. Lawmakers decried his consistent absence despite numerous letters sent to his office over the past few months, noting that requests for vital documents have gone unanswered.

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the accountant-general’s consistent absence, despite several letters sent to his office over the past few months, stating that requests for vital documents have not received adequate responses.

The committee emphasized that the Accountant-General has not demonstrated the diligence expected in rendering his office's accounts and preparing the country's consolidated financial statements. This behavior, they warned, sets a poor example for other government agencies. The lawmakers described his disposition as disappointing, stressing that the office of the Accountant-General is expected to maintain a cooperative relationship with the National Assembly, particularly the Public Accounts Committee, which is constitutionally mandated to oversee public financial management and ensure accountability in the utilization of public funds.

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the office of the accountant-general is expected to maintain a cordial and cooperative working relationship with the National Assembly, particularly the Public Accounts Committee, which is constitutionally mandated to oversee public financial management and ensure accountability in the utilisation of public funds.

Chairman Bamidele Salam reaffirmed the panel's determination to enforce strict compliance with legislative oversight, insisting that no public officer or institution is above accountability to the Nigerian people through their elected representatives. In a related development, the committee also issued final invitations to six Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) whose accounting officers have repeatedly failed to honor previous invitations. These include the Nigerian Meteorological Agency, Federal Cooperative College Ibadan, Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria, and the Federal Ministries of Education, Innovation, Science and Technology, and Police.

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the current accountant-general had not exhibited the level of cooperation expected from the office.