Writing
The Senate Committee on Public Accounts has issued a one-week ultimatum to the Bank of Agriculture, Nigerian Security Printing and Minting Company, and the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) to appear before it and answer outstanding audit queries or face possible sanctions.
The committee handed down the directive on Tuesday after the three agencies failed to honour invitations to appear before lawmakers during an investigative hearing in Abuja.
The development drew sharp criticism from members of the committee, who described the absence of the agencies as unacceptable and a sign of growing disregard for legislative oversight.
During the session, the committee secretary informed the Chairman, Senator Ibrahim Dankwambo (Gombe North), that a letter had been received from the Bank of Agriculture, signed by its legal adviser.
In the correspondence, the bank stated that it had previously appeared before the committee between February 2023 and November 2024 and that issues raised during those appearances had been resolved with the committee and relevant government authorities.
The bank, however, requested details of any unresolved matters and sought a two-week extension to enable its management collate relevant documents.
But Senator Dankwambo faulted the letter, insisting that all official correspondence to the committee must be personally signed by the Managing Director or Chief Executive Officer of the agency concerned.
He also criticised the failure of the Bank of Agriculture to present its Managing Director before the committee despite being invited to explain unresolved audit issues.
The committee subsequently rejected the request for a two-week extension, maintaining that agencies could not dictate timelines to the National Assembly in the discharge of its constitutional responsibilities.
Lawmakers unanimously resolved that the Managing Director of the Bank of Agriculture must personally appear before the committee within one week.
They also disagreed with the bank’s claim that all issues had been resolved, insisting that several audit queries remained outstanding and required clarification.
The committee further warned that any future correspondence signed by officials below the rank of chief executive would no longer be entertained.
Members also expressed displeasure over the absence of the Nigerian Security Printing and Minting Company and the Rural Electrification Agency, directing that both agencies be given a final seven-day opportunity to appear before the panel.
Several lawmakers voiced concern over what they described as an increasing trend of government agencies ignoring legislative summons.
According to them, audit queries are serious accountability matters that must be treated with urgency and transparency.
The committee stressed that it was carrying out its constitutional duty based on reports submitted through due process and not pursuing issues outside its legal mandate.
It warned that any agency that fails to honour the final invitation would face sanctions in line with the powers of the National Assembly.
Dankwambo said strong letters would immediately be sent to the affected agencies, highlighting unresolved audit issues requiring urgent attention.
He added that the agencies must appear before the committee within one week or risk sanctions for failing to cooperate with legislative oversight responsibilities.
