…reaffirms oversight powers
The Senate has warned all Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) and Government-owned Enterprises (GOEs) that continued failure to honour invitations from the National Assembly will attract sanctions in accordance with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
The resolution followed the adoption of a motion sponsored by Senator Sani Musa on the persistent refusal of several government agencies to appear before Senate Committees despite repeated invitations.
The motion reaffirmed that Sections 88 and 89 of the Constitution empower the National Assembly to conduct investigations and exercise oversight over Ministries, Departments and Agencies, Government-owned Enterprises, and other institutions entrusted with the management of public funds.
Following deliberations, the Senate directed all MDAs and GOEs to honour invitations issued by the Senate and its Committees whenever required, stressing that legislative oversight remains a constitutional responsibility aimed at promoting transparency, accountability, and good governance.
The Senate also called on the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, and supervising ministries to ensure that agencies under their supervision comply fully with invitations from the National Assembly.
In addition, the Clerk of the National Assembly was directed to communicate the Senate’s resolution to all MDAs, GOEs, the SGF, the Head of the Civil Service, and other relevant authorities for immediate compliance.
The resolution underscores the Senate’s commitment to strengthening oversight, protecting the integrity of public institutions, and ensuring that every agency entrusted with public resources remains accountable to the Nigerian people.
Effective oversight is not about confrontation; it is about safeguarding transparency, accountability, and the public trust that underpins our democracy.
