By Mercy Aikoye
The Joint Committees on Finance and National Planning of the House of Representatives recently grilled government agencies over the mismanagement of their budget.
This was during an interactive session held at the National Assembly Complex, where the 2023 budget utilization and transparency practices of various government agencies were scrutinized.
The session was attended by representatives from various government agencies, including the Centre for Management Development (CMD), the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), and the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC). The lawmakers were determined to get to the bottom of the financial mismanagement and ensure that government agencies are held accountable for their spending.
Chairman of the Finance Committee, Hon. James Faleke, emphasized the importance of holding agencies accountable for their spending. He stated that the meetings were vital to evaluating their performance and ensuring funds were used prudently. Faleke insisted that agencies funded by the government must remit 100% of their revenue to the treasury.
The Director-General of the Centre for Management Development (CMD), Bitrus Chinoko, presented his agency’s report, explaining that CMD is a fully funded government establishment mandated to conduct training for national development. However, lawmakers criticized CMD for spending funds without proper appropriation.
The situation escalated when CMD’s Director of Finance and Accounts claimed the agency had permission to spend without appropriation. The Committee demanded proof, asking for a letter of authorization. The DG quickly apologized, attributing the statement to the director’s inexperience and later admitted that the agency had indeed been spending funds without due process.
Hon. Faleke warned CMD’s management that such financial recklessness could result in their referral to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for investigation. The lawmakers were determined to ensure that government agencies are transparent and accountable in their financial dealings.
The National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) also appeared before the lawmakers. Its Director-General, Mathew Adgboye, briefed the Committee on the agency’s mandate of promoting research and development in Nigeria. However, the Committee was dissatisfied with the agency’s 2023 budget report.
The Chairman of the National Planning Committee, Hon. Ibrahim Ayokunle Isiaka, expressed his disappointment and directed NASRDA to reappear next Wednesday with complete and properly documented submissions. The Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) was also scheduled to make a presentation, but it was rejected due to the absence of the Registrar-General.
The lawmakers reiterated the need for fiscal discipline and accountability, vowing to clamp down on any form of financial irregularities. Agencies, including CMD, NASRDA, and CAC, were instructed to reappear next week with all required documents and explanations regarding their financial practices.
