The Nigerian Senate has voiced strong disapproval and issued stern warnings to the Ministries, Agencies, and Departments (MDAs) following the Auditor-General’s report, which disclosed a staggering misappropriation of N105.6 billion.
Senator Garba Maidoki, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Legislative Compliance, delivered the warning during a workshop organized by the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS) in collaboration with the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS) on Monday in Abuja. He stressed that the Senate cannot overlook such extensive misappropriation, particularly during this critical period for the country, and emphasized that sanctions will be enforced against any MDAs that disregard the findings.
Maidoki expressed concern over the consistent failure of some MDA heads to appear before the Senate to clarify the financial activities of their agencies. “We will take decisive action against any agency head who ignores Senate directives,” he asserted, underscoring the necessity for timely responses to the Auditor-General’s report.
The Auditor-General’s recent assessment indicated that N105.66 billion had been misappropriated across several MDAs, with N18.36 billion attributed to contracts awarded without adherence to the procedures mandated by the Public Procurement Act.
This revelation has raised alarms about the management of public funds, particularly given Nigeria’s ongoing fiscal issues. Senate President Godswill Akpabio, represented by Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau, reiterated the significance of legislative compliance for good governance. “It is crucial that MDAs follow legislative resolutions to achieve Nigeria’s developmental objectives and maintain public trust,” Akpabio remarked.
He emphasized that the Senate’s oversight function is vital for promoting accountability and transparency in public fund management. Acting Clerk to the National Assembly, Mr. Kamoru Ogunlana, echoed this sentiment, stating that consistent compliance with legislative directives is essential for building public confidence in government institutions.
Professor Abubakar Sulaiman, Director General of NILDS, pointed to systemic issues that hinder MDA compliance, including weak enforcement, bureaucratic inertia, and insufficient political backing. He cautioned that these challenges could further erode public trust in government entities and obstruct governance and transparency improvements.
In response to these findings, the Senate’s Committee on Public Accounts has already launched an investigation into the reported financial mismanagement. Senator Maidoki assured that the Senate will pursue necessary sanctions and reaffirmed its dedication to holding public institutions accountable for their actions.
This latest development signifies a pivotal move in the Senate’s ongoing commitment to enhance oversight mechanisms, combat corruption, and ensure the efficient management of public resources. The initiative underscores the Senate’s determination to uphold transparency, restore public trust, and support sustainable development in Nigeria.
