Senate Warns MDAs Over N105.6 Billion Embezzlement Reported by Auditor-General

The Nigerian Senate has expressed grave concern over the findings of the Auditor-General’s report, which uncovered the embezzlement of N105.6 billion by various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs). The Senate issued a strong warning to MDAs, pledging strict sanctions for non-compliance with legislative directives.

The warning came during a legislative oversight workshop in Abuja, organized by the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS) in collaboration with Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS). Senator Garba Maidoki, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Legislative Compliance, stressed that the misuse of such significant funds could not be tolerated during this critical period for Nigeria.

Maidoki criticized repeated failures by MDA heads to appear before the Senate to explain their financial operations. He called for immediate responses to the Auditor-General’s findings, stating, “We will take firm action against any agency head who disregards Senate directives.”

According to the report, N105.66 billion was embezzled across multiple MDAs. Key findings include:

• N18.36 billion in contracts awarded without following procedures outlined in the Public Procurement Act.
• Other funds misused in ways that breach financial regulations.

Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau, representing Senate President Godswill Akpabio, emphasized the importance of compliance in governance. He remarked, “Ensuring MDAs adhere to legislative resolutions is vital to achieving Nigeria’s development goals and maintaining public trust.”

The Acting Clerk to the National Assembly, Kamoru Ogunlana, highlighted the role of compliance in fostering public trust. “For public institutions to earn trust, there must be consistent and effective compliance with legislative directives,” he said.

Professor Abubakar Sulaiman, Director General of NILDS, pointed to systemic challenges such as bureaucratic stagnation, lack of political support, and weak enforcement as barriers to achieving compliance. He warned that these issues could undermine efforts to improve transparency and governance.

The Senate’s Committee on Public Accounts has launched an investigation into the reported financial malfeasance. Senator Maidoki reiterated the Senate's commitment to holding public institutions accountable, promising that sanctions would be applied where necessary.

This development underscores the Senate’s determination to enhance oversight mechanisms, curb corruption, and ensure the effective utilization of public funds. It marks a significant step toward restoring public confidence and promoting sustainable development in Nigeria.