The Nigerian Senate has taken a hard stance against high-ranking government officials, including the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun; the Chief Executive Officer of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Zacch Adedeji; the leadership of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL); and the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), for consistently ignoring critical audit queries.
In an alarming move that underscores growing tensions between the legislature and key federal agencies, the Senate has threatened to issue arrest warrants for these officials unless they comply with invitations to clarify the whereabouts of billions of naira reported as unaccounted for. This stern action follows a series of complaints regarding the refusal of these agencies to engage with the Office of the Auditor General of the Federation (OAGF), which is tasked with ensuring transparency and accountability in public finances.
A Growing Concern Over Missing Funds
The Senate’s frustration with the defiant behavior of these government entities reached a boiling point on February 5, 2025, during a plenary session. According to Senator Aliyu Ahmed Wadada (SDP, Nasarawa West), the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Public Accounts, the failure of these agencies to attend to audit queries is detrimental to national development. Wadada, speaking at a press briefing in Abuja, expressed dismay over the situation, describing the funds in question as vital resources needed for national progress.
“Billions of naira are unaccounted for, and these agencies are turning a blind eye to the critical oversight role of the Senate,” Wadada stated. “This blatant disregard for the law and the constitution threatens to derail our country’s development agenda.”
The National Assembly’s commitment to rooting out corruption and ensuring accountability has led to several audits and inquiries into government spending, but the refusal of top officials to appear before the Senate has become a significant roadblock. Wadada stressed that this attitude undermines the constitutional powers of the legislature and shows a disregard for public trust.
Direct Consequences for Defiant Officials
Wadada did not mince words in addressing the issue, warning that if the heads of the agencies continued to ignore their responsibilities, they would face direct legal consequences. Specifically, he accused FIRS CEO Zacch Adedeji of ignoring eight separate invitations to attend committee hearings, leading to increased frustration in the Senate.
“Mr. Adedeji has refused to respond to official communications, and his deliberate avoidance of this committee is unacceptable,” Wadada said. “If he fails to attend the next hearing, we will have no choice but to issue a warrant for his arrest.”
Other agencies named in the Senate’s rebuke include the Nigeria Customs Service, Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), and Nigeria Communication Satellite Limited. These organizations, Wadada claimed, have collectively ignored up to nine consecutive invitations from the Senate. The refusal to attend and address audit concerns has raised alarms, especially as the country struggles to manage its financial resources amidst rising economic challenges.
Calls for Presidential Intervention
Wadada, speaking with a sense of urgency, underscored that if the situation did not improve, the Senate would have no choice but to take further action. He made it clear that the matter would be escalated to the highest level of government, including a direct appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“The continued defiance of these agency heads is not only disrespectful but also harmful to national interests,” Wadada warned. “If these officials refuse to comply with the Senate’s authority, we will appeal to the President to take immediate action and relieve them of their duties.”
The Committee Chairman also reminded Nigerians of the importance of accountability at all levels of government. He cited the example of President Tinubu, who had recently made the effort to present the national budget before the National Assembly, saying that no government official should feel above the law.
“If the President can prioritize national duties and appear before the Senate, why should these officials refuse to do the same?” Wadada asked. “We will not tolerate anyone evading their responsibilities.”
Legislative Powers in Action
The Senate’s response has raised questions about the extent of its powers in enforcing accountability and transparency, particularly in the face of resistance from influential government agencies. While the constitutional instruments for arresting and removing defiant officials are in place, the practical implications of such actions remain to be seen.
Senator Wadada affirmed that the Senate would continue to wield its authority in the interest of the Nigerian people, including potentially publishing the details of the audit queries in national newspapers. This public exposure could serve as a last resort to shame the officials into compliance.
“We will not hesitate to use every tool at our disposal,” Wadada declared. “If we must publish the details of these audit queries in the national press to expose their disregard for the law, we will do so.”
Public Support for Senate Actions
The Senate’s bold actions have resonated with segments of the Nigerian public, many of whom have grown weary of government corruption and mismanagement. Civil society organizations and anti-corruption advocates have applauded the Senate for its unwavering stance on accountability, calling it a necessary step in the fight against financial malfeasance.
“I commend the Senate for taking this strong stance,” said Tolu Adebayo, an Abuja-based civil rights activist. “For too long, officials have been allowed to ignore their duties without facing any consequences. The people of Nigeria deserve better, and the Senate’s actions are a reminder that no one is above the law.”
The calls for transparency are especially pertinent as Nigeria faces a series of economic challenges, including a looming budget deficit and ongoing issues with fuel subsidies, energy crises, and corruption in the oil and gas sector. As the Senate prepares to pursue legal measures, the nation watches closely to see if the government’s top officials will finally be held accountable for their actions.
