Reps Task MDAs On Compliance With NASS Resolutions

The House of Representatives (HoR) Committee on Legislative Compliance has warned the Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) of disrespect, disregard, and non-compliance with National Assembly resolutions, including corruption-related issues.

Through its chairman, Hon Yusuf Ahmed Badau, the House committee issued the warning during a press briefing on Thursday in Abuja.

The chairman said the National Assembly, as the legislative arm of government, played a critical role in Nigeria’s democratic process and warned that it’ll not tolerate any further acts of disrespect or disregard for the National Assembly’s resolutions by MDAs.

“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)”, he stated.

Badau said, “It is with a sense of duty and commitment to the principles of accountability, good governance, and the rule of law that I would like to talk to you today on behalf of the House Committee on Legislative Compliance.

“This briefing is caused by 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 National Assembly, as the legislative arm of government, plays a critical role in Nigeria’s democratic process. 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 nation’s challenges and ensuring good governance for all citizens,” he stated.

Badau, however, said it has come to their attention, with increasing concern, that several MDAs have demonstrated a pattern of disrespect, disregard, and non-compliance with these parliamentary resolutions.

He said: “Such actions undermine the authority of the legislature, weaken the principles of separation of powers, and erode public confidence in government institutions”.

The chairman noted that while discharging their duties as a House Committee, they observed that “Many MDAS failed to honour invitations or summons issued by the committee for hearings, investigations, or briefings. This behaviour is a clear violation of constitutional provisions.

“Despite clear parliamentary directives or resolutions, several MDAs continue disregarding their obligations to act on matters requiring immediate attention or reform.