The House of Representatives Public Accounts Committee has called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to recover ₦103.8 billion and $950,000 from 31 Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) identified in the 2019/2020 Auditor-General’s Report.
This resolution followed the adoption of a motion led by the committee’s Chairman, Mr. Bamidele Salam (PDP, Osun), based on findings from an extensive review of the Auditor-General’s Annual Reports for the years ending December 31, 2019, and December 31, 2020. The report highlighted internal control weaknesses and non-compliance issues within government entities.
Key findings included unauthorized spending by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on a presidential lodge project at the Nigerian Embassy in Ethiopia, with demands for over ₦124 million and nearly $795,000 to be refunded. Other significant issues involved the Bank of Agriculture, which was scrutinized for uncollected debts totaling ₦75.6 billion and directed to publish a list of debtors.
The committee also addressed various financial infractions, including:
- Nigeria Customs Service: Ordered to collaborate with the Accountant-General to produce a detailed list of all items credited to the Federation and Non-Federation Accounts.
- Rural Electrification Agency: Uncovered financial irregularities exceeding ₦1.3 billion, with directives for the former Managing Director to refund unauthorized expenditures.
- Nigerian Communication Satellite Limited: Required to refund over ₦1 billion, including unremitted taxes and misappropriated funds.
The committee urged multiple anti-corruption agencies to investigate, recover funds, and enforce compliance across the implicated institutions. This call to action aims to enhance transparency and accountability within the Nigerian government.
