The Senate Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has strongly criticised the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), the Nigeria Police Force, and other government agencies for repeatedly ignoring queries raised in the Audit Report by the Auditor General of the Federation.
Speaking to journalists yesterday in Abuja, Senator Ahmed Wadada Aliyu (SDP, Nasarawa West), Chairman of the committee, expressed frustration over these agencies’ continuous refusal to respond to legislative oversight invitations.
He emphasised that no individual or institution is above the law and that public officials must be held accountable to the Nigerian people.
The committee accused the defaulting agencies of deliberately avoiding transparency.
According to Senator Wadada, the FIRS chairman has ignored over eight invitations and failed to respond to official communications regarding financial discrepancies.
“If he truly shares in the Renewed Hope Agenda, why has he refused to appear before this committee,” he said.
He, however, stated that in response to the persistent disregard for Senate invitations, the committee had resolved that: “Any agency or official that fails to honour future invitations will face a warrant of arrest.
The committee will urge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to disengage non-compliant officials, as their actions undermine the government’s commitment to transparency and good governance.
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) was heavily criticised for its handling of financial transactions, particularly those under the Ways and Means initiative.
The committee revealed that the CBN debited the Consolidated Revenue Fund Account and credited the Treasury Single Account, with transactions totalling over ₦30 trillion—without proper explanation.
Despite multiple communications from key stakeholders—including the Minister of Finance, the Attorney General, and the Debt Management Office (DMO)—the CBN has failed to provide satisfactory responses.
Similarly, the Nigeria Customs Service has yet to account for billions of naira flagged in the Auditor General’s report.
Senator Wadada also stated that the Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited (NigComSat) has failed to appear before the committee despite receiving over nine invitations.
Senator Wadada declared that this press briefing serves as a final warning to the defaulting agencies.
“We are not here to witch-hunt anyone, but accountability is non-negotiable. If these agencies ignore our invitations, we will sustain the Auditor General’s queries and use every constitutional tool.”
The Senate Public Accounts Committee reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and accountability, urging all government agencies to respect the legislative oversight process.
“This is not about politics. This is about Nigeria. No one is above the law.”
The Senate Public Accounts Committee emphasised that cooperation between institutions is crucial for building a stronger and more accountable nation.
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