Senate moves to summon top agencies over revenue probe
The Senate has decided to summon the Central Bank of Nigeria, Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, and about 40 other government agencies for allegedly failing to account for public funds. Senator Sani Musa raised concerns that many agencies have ignored repeated invitations to appear before the Senate Committee on Finance. He accused some agencies of violating financial laws by withholding government revenue. Senate President Godswill Akpabio emphasized the Senate’s constitutional authority to compel these agencies to attend.
What we know
- The Senate resolved to summon the Central Bank of Nigeria, Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, and about 40 other Ministries, Departments and Agencies over their alleged failure to honour invitations.
- Senator Sani Musa said several agencies have frustrated legislative oversight by refusing to appear before the committee investigating revenue remittances and compliance with financial laws.
- Some agencies are accused of violating the Fiscal Responsibility Act and the Finance Act 2022 by retaining government revenue instead of remitting it.
- Senator Sani Musa stated that some agencies have been withholding funds due to the Federal Government since 2020.
- Senate President Godswill Akpabio directed the Finance Committee to return with a substantive motion to compel the defaulting agencies to appear before the National Assembly.
