By Jabiru Hassan
The Centre for Anti-Corruption and Open Leadership (CACOL) has strongly condemned the increasing trend of flagrant disregard for the constitutional authority of the National Assembly by heads of government agencies and parastatals. The anti-corruption watchdog noted with concern that several officials have persistently failed to honor invitations or appear before legislative committees performing their oversight functions.
In a press release signed by Tola Oresanwo, Director of Administration and Programmes, on behalf of CACOL Chairman Debo Adeniran, the group emphasized that legislative oversight is a cornerstone of democratic governance.
“The powers of the legislature to investigate the activities of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) are clearly provided for under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” the statement read. “When public officials deliberately ignore summons, it undermines transparency, weakens accountability mechanisms, and erodes public confidence.”
Notable Incidents of Non-Compliance
CACOL highlighted several recent instances where agencies have avoided legislative scrutiny:
- Bank of Industry: The House of Representatives Ad-hoc Committee investigating Development Finance Institutions recently threatened to compel the appearance of the bank after it failed to honor an invitation.
- Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC): Lawmakers expressed serious concern over the persistent refusal of the Registrar-General, Hussaini Magaji, to honor invitations from the Senate Committee on Finance, leading to calls for his removal.
- National Centre for Technology Management: The House Committee on Science and Engineering was forced to step down the consideration of the agency’s 2026 budget after its Director-General, Olushola Odusanya, failed to appear for the budget defense.
A Call for Decisive Action
CACOL described these examples not as isolated incidents, but as a “growing culture of institutional arrogance.” The organization reminded heads of agencies that as custodians of public trust, they are accountable to the Nigerian people through their elected representatives.
The Centre urged the leadership of the National Assembly to take decisive steps, including:
- Invoking Constitutional Powers: Utilizing the power to compel attendance through warrants of arrest where necessary.
- Sanctions: Recommending disciplinary action against officials who treat legislative invitations with levity.
- Executive Intervention: Calling on the Presidency and supervising ministries to ensure their agencies cooperate fully with the parliament.
CACOL reiterated that effective oversight is a constitutional responsibility designed to prevent corruption and ensure that public institutions serve the interests of the Nigerian people. The group vowed to continue monitoring developments to ensure accountability and good governance in all public institutions.
