The House of Representatives Committee on Legislative Compliance has issued a seven-day ultimatum to 19 Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) of the federal government to comply with invitations to appear before relevant committees or face stringent sanctions.
Chairman of the Committee, Rep. Yusuf Ahmed Badau, disclosed this during a media briefing over the weekend.
He expressed dissatisfaction with the refusal of the MDAs to honour invitations extended by various committees of the 10th House of Representatives, stating that such actions undermine the legislative process.
He said, “Its resolutions are key instruments through which it exercises its oversight functions as enshrined in sections 88 and 89 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).
“These resolutions are derived from extensive deliberations, investigations, and consultations aimed at addressing the challenges facing the nation and ensuring good governance for all citizens.
“However, it has come to our attention, with increasing concern, that several MDAs have demonstrated a pattern of disrespect, disregard, and non-compliance with these parliamentary resolutions.
“Such actions undermine the authority of the legislature, weaken the principles of separation of powers, and erode public confidence in government institutions.”
According to him, the National Assembly, as the legislative arm of government, plays a critical role in Nigeria’s democratic process.
He, however, lamented that there is a growing and troubling trend of disrespect and non-compliance with resolutions of the National Assembly by Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) of government.
The MDAs issued the seven days’ ultimatum by the committee include: the Federal Inland Revenue Services (FlRS), Office of the Accountant General of the Federation, Bank of Industry (BOl), Federal Ministry of Transport, Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), Federal Ministry of Education, Federal Housing Authority (FHA) Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement (NESREA), Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, Nigeria Communication Satellite (NIGCOMSAT) Limited.
Others are: Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corp (NSCDC), Police Service Commission, Nigerian Immigration Service, National University Commission, National Island Waterways Authority, Tertiary Education Trust fund (TETfund), Federal Mortgage Bank (FCMB).
Badau added, “Some MDAs failed to provide updates or reports on the status of implementation of resolutions passed by the National Assembly, creating a disconnect in governance.
“These acts of non-compliance are not only unacceptable but also a challenge to the principles of accountability and transparency that guide our democratic governance.”
The lawmaker warned that the committee would invoke the powers vested in the National Assembly to ensure compliance with its resolutions and summons in line with sections 88 and 89 of the Constitution.
“The committee will engage with the leadership of the National Assembly to explore legislative and administrative measures to address non-compliance.
“Where non-compliance is linked to issues of corruption, waste, or abuse of office, relevant anti-corruption agencies will be notified to take appropriate action,” he said.