The Joint Committee on Finance and National Planning of the House of Representatives on Wednesday grilled several government agencies over alleged mismanagement of their 2023 budget at an interactive session held at the National Assembly Complex.
The session focused on assessing budget utilization, transparency, and compliance with fiscal regulations by various agencies.
Chairman of the Finance Committee, Rep. James Faleke, emphasized the importance of accountability, stating, “These meetings are crucial for evaluating the performance of agencies and ensuring public funds are spent prudently.”
The Director-General of the Centre for Management Development (CMD), Bitrus Chinoko, presented the agency’s report, explaining its role in providing training for national development.
Lawmakers, however, accused CMD of spending funds without proper appropriation. Rep. Faleke insisted that government-funded agencies must remit all revenues to the treasury, describing CMD’s actions as a breach of financial regulations.
The situation escalated when CMD’s Director of Finance and Accounts claimed the agency had permission to spend without appropriation. When asked to provide evidence, the DG apologized, blaming the director’s inexperience and admitting that the agency had violated due process.
Rep. Faleke warned CMD’s management of possible referral to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for investigation over financial misconduct.
The National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), represented by Director-General Mathew Adgboye, briefed lawmakers on its mandate of promoting research and development. Adgboye stated the agency had only sold old vehicles during the review period and had not disposed of any significant assets.
However, the Committee expressed dissatisfaction with NASRDA’s 2023 budget report. Rep. Ibrahim Ayokunle Isiaka, Chairman of the National Planning Committee, directed the agency to reappear next week with comprehensive and well-documented submissions.
The Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) was also scheduled to present its report, but lawmakers rejected the presentation due to the absence of the Registrar-General. Instead, the Commission was represented by its Director of Special Duties, Orji Uzona, who claimed the Registrar-General was ill and had authorized him to appear.
The Committee demanded a formal letter of authorization, which Uzona could not provide. Consequently, the lawmakers directed that the Registrar-General must appear in person next week.
Rep. Isiaka stressed the need for the 2025 budget to align with Nigeria’s development priorities, assuring that the Committees would collaborate with the Ministry of Finance and other stakeholders to ensure the budget is realistic and aligned with strategic goals.
Agencies, including CMD, NASRDA, and CAC, were directed to provide all required documents and explanations regarding their financial practices when they reappear next week.
The lawmakers reiterated their commitment to enforcing fiscal discipline and accountability, vowing to address any instances of financial irregularities.