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The House of Representatives has sounded the alarm over suspicious practices observed in Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) regarding the procurement process for the execution of capital projects. In line with its commitment to promoting transparency in government business, the House has called for an immediate investigation into these practices.
The resolution came following a motion moved by Kelechi Nwogu, a member representing Etche/Omuma Federal Constituency, Rivers State. Nwogu highlighted the importance of transparency in the budgetary process, citing Section 81(1) of the Constitution, which mandates the President to lay before the National Assembly estimates of revenue and expenditure for each financial year.
According to Nwogu, many MDAs have allegedly awarded contracts below the allocated amount for the capital component of the Appropriation Act. This lack of adherence to budgetary provisions has led to withheld funds, negatively impacting project completion and leading to contractor abandonment or requests for cost variation.
Expressing concern over the undermining of the National Assembly’s powers, particularly in oversight functions, the House mandated its Committees on Financial Crimes, Public Service Matters, and Public Procurements to investigate the procurement of capital projects by MDAs, parastatals, and institutions of the Federal Government. The aim is to recover withheld sums and ensure accountability in project execution.
The Committees are expected to report back within four weeks with their findings for further legislative action. This move reflects the House’s determination to uphold transparency and accountability in government spending, safeguarding the interests of the Nigerian people.
