In response to the urgent need for transparency and accountability, the House of Representatives has taken a decisive step by summoning key government agencies to address queries raised by the Auditor General for the Federation.
This move comes after repeated invitations were extended to the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NMA), Investment and Security Tribunal (IST), and the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria (PCN), which were disregarded.
During the committee hearing, members expressed their dissatisfaction with the agencies’ actions, emphasizing the seriousness of the allegations outlined in the 2019 Auditor General’s Report.
The Committee deemed the agencies’ non-response unacceptable and has scheduled a hearing for next Tuesday to delve into these matters.
The Committee also turned its attention to the Federal Medical Centre, Keffi, Nassarawa State, directing its medical director to appear with necessary documents regarding expenditures amounting to approximately N10 billion.
The Committee questioned the continuous requests for time extensions by the Medical Director, highlighting concerns about infractions related to the diversion of public funds, non-remittance of internally generated revenue, and unauthorized payment of allowances.
Similarly, the Acting Registrar of the Veterinary Council of Nigeria has been instructed to provide documentary evidence for answers to 10 audit queries issued by the Auditor General for the Federation.
The Committee expressed concern about the council’s history of employing delay tactics, vowing to address these issues diligently.
Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee, Rep. Bamidele Salam, reiterated the committee’s dedication to an exhaustive and impartial investigation into alleged violations of financial regulations by the MDAs.
This commitment reflects a broader effort to ensure accountability across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies.
At the meeting, the Minority Whip, Rep Isa Ali, accompanied by Deputy Minority Leader Rep. Ali Madaki, expressed the House leadership’s unwavering support for the Public Accounts Committee’s work.
The leadership emphasized the 10th Assembly’s resolve to strengthen all committees, fostering a robust system of accountability in government operations.
