Senate Warns MDAs Over Ignoring Oversight Invitations

The Senate has warned ministries, departments, agencies and government-owned enterprises that ignoring National Assembly invitations could now bring sanctions.

Lawmakers adopted the position on Thursday after complaints that several agencies had repeatedly refused to appear before Senate committees. Punch and Channels TV both reported that the chamber directed government bodies to comply with committee summons.

The motion was tied to the Senate Committee on Finance, chaired by Senator Sani Musa. During debate, senators said persistent absence by public agencies weakened legislative oversight and made it harder to examine how public funds are handled.

Punch reported that Senator Abdul Ningi urged stronger action, including notifying the President and withholding budgetary allocations from agencies that refuse to appear. Channels TV reported that the Senate also asked the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, the Head of Service and supervising ministries to ensure compliance.

The resolution was passed during plenary presided over by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

Sources: Punch, Channels TV