The Senate has taken a firm stance against federal agencies accused of mismanaging over ₦105.66 billion, as revealed by a report from the Office of the Auditor General for the Federation (OAuGF). The Senate’s committee on legislative compliance has warned that heads of these agencies who are implicated will face strict sanctions if found guilty.
Workshop to Strengthen Accountability
This announcement was made by Senator Garba Madoki, chairman of the Senate committee, during a one-day workshop held in Abuja. The event, titled “Strengthening Legislative Compliance for Effective Governance,” was organized by the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS) in partnership with Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS). The workshop focused on improving legislative compliance among government bodies to enhance transparency and accountability.
Highlights of the Auditor General’s Report
The Auditor General’s report, submitted to the National Assembly, uncovered serious financial infractions involving federal Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs). The report detailed how ₦105.66 billion was spent in violation of financial rules and regulations.
Some major findings include:
- ₦18.36 billion was spent on contracts that disregarded the Public Procurement Act.
- Persistent weaknesses in the financial management system, despite earlier warnings and recommendations to the Minister of Finance, Budget, and National Planning, as well as the Accountant General of the Federation.
The Auditor General emphasized the importance of transparency and accountability in financial management, especially considering Nigeria’s dwindling revenues and the ongoing strain on its annual budget.
Senate’s Determination to Enforce Compliance
Speaking at the workshop, Senator Garba Madoki expressed frustration with the behavior of some agency heads who have ignored Senate summons. He warned that such actions would no longer be tolerated.
“We are going to be very strict about the Auditor General’s report,” Madoki said. “Measures will be taken against those who refuse to comply with Senate resolutions. Actions will be taken against anyone found infringing on these reports.”
The senator further stated that the Senate’s public accounts committee has begun scrutinizing the Auditor General’s report in detail. He pledged that the Senate would not hesitate to impose sanctions on any agency found violating the country’s laws, whether intentionally or inadvertently.
In a message delivered on his behalf by Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau, Senate President Godswill Akpabio echoed the importance of legislative compliance. He stressed that the 10th National Assembly would ensure accountability and would not condone any disregard for its resolutions.
“Legislative compliance is critical to the success of governance,” Akpabio stated. “Without it, the effectiveness of the National Assembly is undermined, public trust in government erodes, and the country’s development agenda is delayed.”
The Senate President added that the legislature’s role extends beyond lawmaking—it includes ensuring that laws and policies are implemented by MDAs and holding violators accountable.
During the workshop, the Director General of NILDS, Prof. Abubakar Sulaiman, outlined the challenges faced in enforcing legislative compliance. He pointed to weak enforcement mechanisms, bureaucratic inefficiencies, and a lack of political will as significant obstacles.
These issues, he explained, hinder the ability of the National Assembly to ensure that laws, policies, and resolutions are fully implemented by MDAs.
The findings in the Auditor General’s report highlight ongoing concerns about the misuse of public funds in Nigeria. With more than ₦105 billion unaccounted for, the lack of adherence to procurement laws and financial regulations undermines public trust and the country’s economic stability.
The Senate’s commitment to holding MDAs accountable could set a precedent for improved governance if these promises translate into tangible actions. The focus on enforcing compliance is also expected to encourage a culture of transparency and efficiency within federal agencies.
As the Senate’s public accounts committee continues to analyze the Auditor General’s findings, agency heads implicated in the report may soon be summoned to explain the alleged infractions. Those who fail to cooperate or justify their actions could face parliamentary sanctions, including stricter oversight and potential legal actions.
