Reps Committee Summons FIRS, Immigration, Others for Accountability Lapses

The House of Representatives has issued summons for the appearance of several key government agencies before the Public Accounts Committee next Tuesday.

The summoned entities include the Federal Inland Revenue Service, Nigerian Immigration Service, Nigerian Meteorological Agency, Niger State Command, Investment and Security Tribunal, and the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria.

This move follows queries raised against them by the Auditor General for the Federation in the 2019 Auditor General’s Report.

During Thursday’s committee hearing, members expressed strong disapproval of the agencies’ actions, particularly in light of prior invitations and the serious nature of the allegations. The committee underscored its dissatisfaction with the lack of response from the implicated entities.

The committee has further directed the medical director of the federal medical centre in Keffi, Nassarawa State, to appear next week, accompanied by necessary documents addressing approximately 10 Billion Naira in expenditures queried by the Auditor General.

Of particular concern to the committee was the continuous request for time extensions by the medical director, who has held office for nearly seven years. The allegations against the director include the diversion of public funds, non-remittance of internally generated revenue, and unauthorised payment of allowances.

Similarly, the Acting Registrar of the Veterinary Council of Nigeria has been instructed to provide documentary evidence addressing ten audit queries.

Committee member Dauda Zachariah Nyampa expressed concerns over the council’s delay tactics in previous assemblies.

Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee, Hon. Bamidele Salam, reiterated the committee’s dedication to thorough and impartial investigations into alleged financial regulation violations by the MDAs.

Minority Whip, Hon. Isa Ali, accompanied by Deputy Minority Leader, Hon. Ali Madaki, expressed the House leadership’s support for the committee’s work, emphasising the 10th Assembly’s commitment to strengthening all committees to ensure accountability across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies.