The Senate has vowed to impose parliamentary sanctions on any head of Federal Government agencies found culpable of financial mismanagement, as revealed in the report submitted by the Auditor General for the Federation to the National Assembly.
Senator Garba Madoki, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Legislative Compliance, issued the warning during a one-day workshop in Abuja on Monday.
Madoki expressed concern over the increasing frequency with which heads of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies have ignored Senate summons, stressing that such disregard for Senate resolutions would no longer be tolerated, according to the PUNCH.
Madoki emphasized the Senate’s commitment to taking decisive action based on the findings in the Auditor General’s report. He assured that the Senate would closely monitor compliance with the recommendations, and any failure to adhere would result in appropriate sanctions.
He said, “We are going to be very strict on the report of the Auditor General for the Federation. We are taking notes of those items.
“In the very short while, measures are going to be taken against everybody who refused to comply with Senate resolutions on the matter.
“Where compliance is not done, I can guarantee you that actions will be taken against whoever is infringing on those reports.”
The Auditor General for the Federation had previously raised alarms about financial irregularities and weaknesses in the financial management systems across government ministries, particularly regarding the disbursement and utilization of public funds. He highlighted the growing concern about transparency and accountability, especially in light of the country’s dwindling revenue and its impact on the annual budget.
According to the Auditor General’s latest report, a total of N105.66 billion was expended by MDAs in violation of established financial regulations. Notably, N18.36 billion of this amount was allocated for contracts without compliance with the Public Procurement Act. The report also pointed out that weaknesses in the system persisted despite previous recommendations for corrective actions made to the Minister of Finance, Budget, and National Planning, and the Accountant General of the Federation.
Senator Madoki reassured that the Senate Committee on Public Accounts was already addressing the Auditor General’s report, and that strict action would be taken against any MDA found to be in violation of the law, whether inadvertently or deliberately.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio, in a speech delivered by his deputy, Jibrin Barau, echoed the Senate’s commitment to enforcing compliance with its resolutions. Akpabio emphasized that one of the key responsibilities of the National Assembly is ensuring that its laws and resolutions are fully implemented. He added that legislative compliance is essential to maintaining public trust and advancing the country’s development agenda.
He said, “As representatives of the people, one of our core mandates is to ensure that the resolutions and laws passed by the legislature are implemented effectively.
“This task is not just about oversight; it is about ensuring that the aspirations of Nigerians, as articulated through their representatives, are translated into meaningful action and positive outcomes.
“Legislative compliance is critical to the success of governance. Without it, the effectiveness of the National Assembly is undermined, public trust in government is eroded, and the development agenda is stalled.
“Our responsibility goes beyond enacting laws—it extends to ensuring their implementation by Ministries, Departments, and Agencies, and holding those who fail to comply accountable.”
The acting Clerk to the National Assembly, Kamoru Ogunlana, also underscored the importance of legislative compliance, describing it as the backbone of good governance. He stressed that effective implementation and respect for laws are crucial for enhancing citizen trust in government institutions and ensuring sustainable development.
He said, “ It ensures that our laws are not just enacted but are effectively implemented and respected throughout our society,
“Through robust legislative processes and compliance mechanisms, we can enhance citizen trust and confidence in our institutions, paving the way for sustainable development and social justice.”