The House of Representatives has instructed its Public Accounts Committee (PAC) to investigate how the federal government spent 183.9 billion naira in COVID-19 intervention funds allocated to ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) from 2020 to 2022.
Members of the legislative body have claimed that a report from the Auditor-General, alongside other credible sources, has brought to light the alleged misdirection and lack of accountability of substantial funds intended for COVID-19 relief efforts and international contributions, which were entrusted to various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).
This development came about after the assembly endorsed a proposal put forth by one of its members, Zakari Dauda Nyampa, during the most recent plenary session.
In his presentation, the legislator highlighted that the Federal Government had implemented various measures, including budget allocations and financial assistance from international donor organizations, to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.
He said: “N83.9 billion was appropriated for the COVID-19 response in the 2020 Appropriation Act and another sum of over N100 billion naira as intervention funds through supplementary budget and international donor agencies.”
“The auditor-general’s report and other sources reveal that significant funds for COVID-19 palliatives and international donations were diverted and unaccounted for by various Ministries, Departments and Agencies of government.”
He voiced his apprehension that the absence of adequate financial oversight regarding the resources designated for the Federal Government’s COVID-19 response and contributions from international donor organizations might result in unfavorable economic evaluations and missed prospects for Nigeria.
The House unanimously accepted the motion and instructed the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) to conduct an inquiry, with a requirement to furnish a report within four weeks, paving the way for subsequent legislative measures.
In addition, the Appropriation Committee offered its assurance to President Bola Tinubu that the 2024 Appropriation Bill would receive swift approval when it is eventually presented.
During the committee’s inaugural gathering, Abubakar Bichi, the committee’s chairman, declared that the lower house is committed to upholding the longstanding tradition of complying with the Financial Year Act. This commitment entails passing the budget on or before December 31st each fiscal year.
Bichi assured that the committee will actively oversee the execution of financial plans by all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs). He emphasized that the committee’s responsibilities extend beyond merely allocating funds to the budget. He further explained that the committee holds a prominent position in advocating for effective lawmaking through the allocation of financial resources.
He said: “The committee is empowered by Order 20, Rule 15 of the House of Representatives Standing Orders, 10th Edition, 2020 as Amended to coordinate, monitor, and supervise the implementation of all Appropriation Acts after passage by the National Assembly.”
“This power will be effectively utilized to exercise oversight jurisdiction on relevant agencies such as the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, Federal Ministry of Finance, Office of the Accountant General of the Federation, and National Economic Intelligence Agency, among others, to monitor budget implementation.”
Bichi added: “In furtherance of this significant duty, the committee’s leadership will initiate a strategic meeting with Chairmen of Finance, National Planning and Aids, Loans, and Debt Management to gather data that will facilitate the effective functioning of this committee.”