Gives 7-Day Ultimatum to Comply or Face Action
To Invoke Powers Vested in NASS
Lists 19 Non-Compliance MDAs
By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
The House of Representatives (HoR) Committee on Legislative Compliance has issued a stern warning to Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) regarding their disrespect, disregard, and non-compliance with National Assembly resolutions, including issues linked to corruption.
The committee made this known during a press briefing on Thursday, led by its Chairman, Hon. Yusuf Ahmed Badau, in Abuja.
Hon. Badau emphasized that the National Assembly, as the legislative arm of government, plays a critical role in Nigeria’s democratic process. He warned that further acts of disrespect or disregard for the resolutions of the National Assembly would not be tolerated.
“Its resolutions are key instruments through which it exercises its oversight functions as enshrined in Sections 88 and 89 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended),” he stated.
He continued, “This briefing is necessitated by a growing and troubling trend of disrespect and non-compliance with resolutions of the National Assembly by MDAs of government. The National Assembly plays a critical role in Nigeria’s democratic process, and its resolutions are derived from extensive deliberations, investigations, and consultations aimed at addressing the challenges facing the nation and ensuring good governance for all citizens.”
However, the Chairman expressed increasing concern over the pattern of disrespect and non-compliance by several MDAs. He said, “Such actions undermine the authority of the legislature, weaken the principles of separation of powers, and erode public confidence in government institutions.”
The committee noted that many MDAs had failed to honor invitations or summons issued for hearings, investigations, or briefings. This, he stated, is a clear violation of constitutional provisions.
“Despite clear parliamentary directives or resolutions, several MDAs continue to disregard their obligations to act on matters requiring immediate attention or reform. Some MDAs have failed to provide updates or reports on the status of the implementation of resolutions passed by the National Assembly, creating a disconnect in governance. These acts of non-compliance are not only unacceptable but also a challenge to the principles of accountability and transparency that guide our democratic governance,” he said.
In response to this disturbing trend, the House Committee on Legislative Compliance is taking steps to ensure compliance.
“The Committee will invoke the powers vested in the National Assembly to ensure compliance with its resolutions and summons in line with Sections 88 and 89 of the Constitution. We will engage with the leadership of the National Assembly to explore legislative and administrative measures to address non-compliance,” Hon. Badau explained.
He further stated, “Where non-compliance is linked to issues of corruption, waste, or abuse of office, relevant anti-corruption agencies will be notified to take appropriate action.”
The committee also released a list of 19 MDAs that continue to disrespect or ignore parliamentary resolutions:
- Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS)
- Office of the Accountant General of the Federation
- Bank of Industry (BOI)
- Federal Ministry of Transport
- Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA)
- Federal Ministry of Education
- Federal Housing Authority (FHA)
- Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development
- National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement (NESREA)
- Federal Ministry of Women Affairs
- Nigeria Communication Satellite Limited
- Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC)
- Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC)
- Police Service Commission
- Nigerian Immigration Service
- National University Commission
- National Inland Waterways Authority
- Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETfund)
- Federal Mortgage Bank
Hon. Badau gave these MDAs a seven-day ultimatum to comply with the resolutions or face action. He stressed that the House Committee on Legislative Compliance will not tolerate further acts of disrespect or disregard for the resolutions of the National Assembly.
“We are committed to ensuring that all MDAs adhere to constitutional principles, respect the legislative process, and act responsibly in the discharge of their duties. We urge Nigerians to remain vigilant and support the National Assembly in its efforts to uphold accountability, transparency, and good governance,” he concluded.
