Senate Committee Slams Ministers, Agency Heads For Lateness To Budget Defence

The Senate, through its Committee on National Security and Intelligence, on Wednesday criticised heads of federal Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) for repeatedly arriving late to committee engagements, particularly during budget defence sessions.

However, the committee commended heads of security and intelligence agencies for their punctuality at such critical engagements.

The development occurred during a budget defence session with the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), and other security chiefs.

Expressing his displeasure over the persistent lateness of some agency heads, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu (Abia North) said the Senate would no longer tolerate such conduct.

He stressed that the habit must stop, especially during a crucial period like the budget process.

Kalu specifically accused former senators and members of the National Assembly who now head agencies in the executive arm of government of being among the worst offenders.

“We are happy that the various heads of National Security and Intelligence agencies arrived for the budget defence session before the 11:00 a.m. commencement time,” he said.

“However, it is not so with many other heads of agencies, particularly those led by former serving senators or National Assembly members. This is absolutely unacceptable because this is a budget period that must be given the required seriousness by all stakeholders.

“The perpetual latecomers are always fond of claiming that they were held up by presidential engagements at the Villa, which, to us here, are mere excuses,” he added.

Concurring with Kalu’s remarks, the Chairman of the Committee, Senator Yahaya Abdullahi (Kebbi North), described the warning as a wake-up call to the affected agency heads.

He emphasized the need for discipline and respect for legislative oversight functions, particularly during budget defence sessions.

The committee reiterated its commitment to ensuring accountability and timely participation of all relevant government officials in the ongoing budget review process.

End.