…query JAMB for spending N1bn On refreshment in 2024 budget
…commit to improve fiscal discipline, block revenue leakages in 2025
By Gloria Ikibah
The National Assembly Joint Committee on Finance has set up a special panel to investigate a revenue shortfall of over N4 trillion, allegedly caused by indiscriminate waivers granted by government agencies.
During a hearing co-chaired by Senator Sani Musa and Rep. James Faleke, the Committee examined revenue profiles of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) and Government-Owned Enterprises (GOEs) to prepare for the 2025 budget, with the aim to ensure accurate revenue projections.
Senator Adamu Aliero highlighted a significant gap in expected revenue, as he stated that over N5.9 trillion was due for the Consolidated Revenue Fund, but only N1.9 trillion was received. He proposed setting up a panel to investigate and address the anomalies, particularly focusing on waivers and unremitted funds.
Co-chairman Senator Musa noted that many GOEs fail to disclose all revenue sources or remit funds as required, thisnis a he vowed stricter oversight of their expenditures to block leakages.
The committee warned agencies that fail to defend their budget proposals before the National Assembly that they could receive zero allocations in the 2025 budget.
Amongvrhe agencies which appeared before the Joint committee was the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), and was questioned for receiving a N6 billion government grant while remitting only N4 billion to the Consolidated Revenue Fund.
JAMB was also queried for budgeting N1.1 billion for refreshments and was directed to provide more details within three days.
The Federal Road Safety Corps reported generating N13 billion against a target of N10 billion but only remitted N5 billion. To this, the Committee demanded an explanation and details on the unremitted funds.
In his submission, Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Atiku Bagudu, emphasised that the 2025 budget focuses on boosting revenue and addressing economic challenges. He therefore urged MDAs and GOEs to fully cooperate with the National Assembly.
Several agencies, including the Nigeria Customs Service, Federal Road Safety Corps, Nigeria Communication Commission, and others, were invited to clarify their revenue and budget submissions.
The committee reiterated the commitment of the National Assembly to improving fiscal discipline and blocking revenue leakages in the 2025 fiscal year.