In light of the Auditor-General’s report, which exposed a significant financial embezzlement totaling N105.6 billion, the Nigerian Senate has voiced its disapproval and issued a severe warning to Ministries, Agencies, and Departments of punishment.
At a legislative oversight workshop held Monday in Abuja by the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies, or NILDS, in collaboration with the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung, or KAS, Senator Garba Maidoki, the chairman of the Senate Committee on Legislative Compliance, issued the warning.
Insisting that the upper legislative body cannot allow such a massive misuse at such a crucial moment for the country, Maidoki warned that MDAs that make mistakes will face consequences, especially if the report is disregarded.
He voiced concern about several MDA and other government agency chiefs’ repeated failures to come before the Senate and provide an explanation of their agencies’ financial operations.
He emphasized the importance of swift reactions to the Auditor General’s findings and declared, “We will take firm action against any agency head who disregards Senate directives.”
According to the Auditor General’s most recent findings, N105.66 billion had been embezzled from multiple MDAs, with N18.36 billion of that sum going toward contracts that were awarded without adhering to the correct procedures specified in the Public Procurement Act.
This occurs as worries about the misappropriation of public monies are growing, particularly in view of Nigeria’s continuous financial difficulties.
Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau spoke on behalf of Senate President Godswill Akpabio, who emphasized the significance of statutory compliance in maintaining sound administration.
“MDAs must follow legislative resolutions in order to meet Nigeria’s development objectives and preserve public confidence,” Akpabio stated.
He emphasized that in order to guarantee accountability and openness in the administration of public monies, the Senate’s oversight function is essential.
Mr. Kamoru Ogunlana, the Acting Clerk to the National Assembly, also emphasized the significance of compliance in bolstering public trust in government agencies.
“There must be consistent and effective compliance with legislative directives for the laws to have meaning and for public institutions to gain trust,” Ogunlana said.
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The Director General of NILDS, Professor Abubakar Sulaiman, highlighted a few systemic issues that compromise MDA compliance, such as a lack of political backing, bureaucratic stagnation, and lax enforcement. He cautioned that these problems could impede attempts to enhance governance and transparency and further erode public confidence in government institutions.
The Senate’s Committee on Public Accounts has already opened a probe into the financial malfeasance that the Auditor General reported in light of the findings.
Senator Madoki reiterated the Senate’s resolve to hold public institutions responsible for their conduct and promised that sanctions will be pursued if needed.
In the Senate’s continuous efforts to improve oversight procedures, combat corruption, and guarantee the effective use of public funds, this most recent development represents a critical milestone.
The action demonstrates the Senate’s commitment to maintaining openness, reestablishing public confidence, and advancing sustainable development in Nigeria.
