Reported by Weng Patrick Atokor | journalist at wengglobal
The House of Representatives has summoned the Accountant-General of the Federation (AGF), Shamseldeen Babatunde Ogunjimi, alongside six Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) over what lawmakers described as an alleged failure to adequately respond to legislative inquiries concerning public financial management.The summons was issued by the House Committee on Public Accounts (PAC), which also delivered a final warning to the affected institutions, stressing that continued non-compliance with its invitations and requests for information could result in further legislative action.The committee’s decision underscores the National Assembly’s ongoing efforts to strengthen transparency, accountability, and prudent management of public resources across federal government institutions.
According to the committee, the Accountant-General, who serves as the nation’s chief accounting officer, has not sufficiently responded to several invitations and audit-related requests requiring clarification on issues concerning government finances.
Lawmakers maintained that cooperation from the Office of the Accountant-General is essential to enable the committee to carry out its constitutional responsibility of scrutinising government expenditure and ensuring public funds are managed in accordance with the law.In addition to the AGF, six MDAs were directed to appear before the committee over their alleged failure to honour invitations and respond to audit observations. Although the committee did not immediately disclose the names of all the affected agencies, it insisted that every public institution has a constitutional obligation to cooperate with legislative oversight.
The Public Accounts Committee noted that repeated failure by government agencies to respond to parliamentary inquiries weakens accountability mechanisms and undermines public confidence in public institutions.The committee described the latest summons as a final opportunity for the affected officials and agencies to comply voluntarily. It warned that persistent refusal to appear or provide requested documents could compel the House of Representatives to invoke its constitutional powers to enforce compliance.
Under Nigeria’s Constitution, the National Assembly has the authority to investigate the administration of public funds, summon public officials, request documents, and make recommendations aimed at ensuring accountability in government.The Public Accounts Committee is responsible for examining reports submitted by the Auditor-General for the Federation and reviewing how ministries and agencies utilise funds appropriated by the National Assembly. Through these investigations, lawmakers seek to identify financial irregularities, address audit queries, and promote transparency in public expenditure.
As the country’s chief accounting officer, the Accountant-General oversees treasury operations, government accounting systems, financial reporting, and the implementation of public financial management policies. Analysts say cooperation between the Office of the Accountant-General and legislative oversight committees is critical to maintaining confidence in Nigeria’s financial management system.
Governance experts have long argued that timely responses to audit observations and legislative inquiries contribute to improved financial discipline, reduce waste, and strengthen public trust in government institutions. They also note that effective oversight helps ensure that public resources are used for their intended purposes and in line with approved budgets.The latest development comes as Nigeria continues implementing reforms aimed at improving transparency in public finance.
Measures such as the Treasury Single Account (TSA), the Government Integrated Financial Management Information System (GIFMIS), and other financial reforms were introduced to strengthen accountability and reduce leakages. Despite these initiatives, annual audit reports continue to identify unresolved financial issues requiring further investigation.Observers believe the committee’s action reflects the legislature’s determination to ensure that accounting officers and government agencies remain answerable for the management of public resources.
They argue that stronger collaboration between the executive and legislative arms of government is essential for improving governance and protecting taxpayers’ money.Attention will now focus on whether the Accountant-General and the affected MDAs will comply with the committee’s directive. Their appearance before lawmakers is expected to provide an opportunity to clarify outstanding audit issues, explain financial records, and respond to questions relating to public expenditure.
The outcome of the hearings could influence future recommendations on strengthening accountability, improving financial management, and ensuring compliance with Nigeria’s public finance laws.As public demand for transparency continues to grow, the House of Representatives says it remains committed to exercising its constitutional oversight responsibilities and ensuring that every public institution entrusted with government funds is held accountable.
Sources
House of Representatives Public Accounts Committee, Punch Newspapers, Vanguard, The Nation, Daily Independent Nigeria.
