Senate investigates MDAs over ₦105.66bn financial infractions

A few months ago, the Office of the Auditor General for the Federation (OAuGF) raised concerns over ₦105.66 billion allegedly spent by Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) in violation of established financial rules and regulations.

The OAuGF emphasized the critical need for transparency and accountability in government financial management, especially amid Nigeria’s declining revenues and its impact on the national budget.

In its latest annual report on public institutions’ financial conduct, which is currently before the National Assembly, the OAuGF revealed that MDAs had mismanaged a total of ₦105.66 billion. The report highlighted that ₦18.36 billion was spent on contracts without adherence to the Public Procurement Act.

The OAuGF also expressed alarm over ongoing systemic weaknesses, noting that despite previous recommendations to the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, and the Accountant General of the Federation, no significant corrective actions had been taken.

Speaking at the workshop, Committee Chairman Senator Garba Madoki expressed frustration over the growing tendency of heads of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to ignore Senate summons, warning that further defiance of Senate resolutions would no longer be tolerated.

“We are going to be very strict on the Auditor General’s report. We are keeping track of all the issues,” Senator Madoki stated.

He further emphasized that swift action would be taken against anyone who failed to comply with Senate resolutions. “In the very near future, measures will be implemented against those who disregard Senate directives. If compliance is not achieved, I can assure you that actions will be taken against those violating these reports.”

Senator Madoki also highlighted that the Senate’s Public Accounts Committee was already closely scrutinizing the Auditor General’s report. “We are committed to this task, and where sanctions are necessary, we will not hesitate to hold any MDA accountable for violating the laws of this country, whether intentionally or by mistake,” he affirmed.

In a message delivered at the event, Senate President Godswill Akpabio emphasized that the 10th National Assembly would take a tough stance against any head of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) who disregard its resolutions.

Represented by Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau, Akpabio stated: “Legislative compliance is crucial to the success of governance. Without it, the effectiveness of the National Assembly is compromised, public trust in government diminishes, and the development agenda is hindered.”

He further added, “Our responsibility extends beyond making laws; it also involves ensuring their enforcement by MDAs and holding accountable those who fail to comply.”

Earlier, in his opening remarks, Prof. Abubakar Sulaiman, Director General of the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS), highlighted the challenges in ensuring MDAs’ compliance with laws, resolutions, and policies. He cited issues such as “weak enforcement mechanisms, bureaucratic inefficiencies, and a lack of political will” as key obstacles.