Reps indicts 31 MDAs, orders recovery of over ₦103bn, $950,000

The House of Representatives has indicted 31 federal Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) over financial infractions involving more than ₦103.8 billion and $950,912, calling on anti-corruption agencies to ensure full recovery of the misappropriated funds.

This development followed a motion presented by Rep. Bamidele Salam, based on the findings of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), which reviewed the Auditor-General’s annual reports for the 2019 and 2020 fiscal years.

The reports exposed widespread violations, including unauthorized expenditures, unremitted revenues, procurement breaches, and weak internal controls in several government agencies.

The House adopted the committee’s recommendations, directing the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), and the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) to take immediate steps to recover the funds and ensure accountability.

The investigations revealed that various MDAs engaged in unauthorized spending, failed to remit taxes and internally generated revenue, and mismanaged public resources.

Some agencies were found to have issued questionable contracts, violated procurement laws, and failed to comply with financial regulations.

Others retained official vehicles unlawfully, spent without appropriate approvals, or disbursed funds without documentation.

In addition to calling for recovery of the funds, the House emphasized the need for institutional reforms to strengthen financial discipline in the public sector.

Lawmakers urged that agency heads be empowered to appoint external auditors in the absence of governing boards, recommending a review of existing financial regulations or issuance of a directive by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF).

Presiding over the session, Deputy Speaker Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu praised the PAC Chairman and members for their diligent and meticulous work.

He reiterated the House’s resolve to uphold transparency, enforce accountability, and protect public resources from mismanagement and corruption.