The House of Representatives (HoR) Committee on Legislative Compliance has threatened to sanction Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) disrespecting, disregarding, or non-compliant 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 in Abuja.
Badau listed non-compliant MDAs to include 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), and Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, Nigeria Communication Satellite Limited.
Others are the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corp (NSCDC), the Police Service Commission, the Nigerian Immigration Service, the National University, the National Inland Waterways Authority, the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETfund), and the Federal Mortgage Bank.
The chairman said the MDAs have a seven-day ultimatum to comply or face action, adding that the House Committee on Legislature Compliance will not tolerate any further acts of disrespect or disregard for the National Assembly’s resolutions.
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.
He also said, “It is with a sense of duty and commitment to the principles of accountability, good governance, and the rule of law that I address you today on behalf of the House Committee on Legislative Compliance.
“This briefing is necessitated 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 challenges facing the nation and ensuring good governance for all citizens”, he also stated.
He further stated, ” 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.”
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.
“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’, he stated.
He also stated that in response to the disturbing trend, the House Committee on Legislative Compliance is taking steps to ensure compliance.
“The committee will 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.
