The House of Representatives Committee on Finance threatened to instruct the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation to freeze the accounts of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) of the Federal Government that have failed to provide an account of their revenue or make accurate remittances to the government.
The Vice Chairman of the committee, Rep Saidu Abdullahi, expressed concern over some agencies’ refusal to attend the committee’s sessions despite being invited, on Monday, May 20, 2024.
He noted that out of eight agencies invited, only two attended, while two requested a different date.
However, four agencies, including the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex, National Broadcasting Commission, National Examination Council, and National Inland Waterways Authority, neither attended nor communicated their absence.
“Let me put on record that we hope to have these agencies appear before the committee. Lagos International Trade Fair Complex, National Broadcasting Commission, National Examination Council and National Inland Waterways Authority.”
Abdullahi emphasized the importance of agency cooperation in revenue monitoring, stating that failure to appear could result in account freezing. He highlighted the significance of revenue collection for the country’s welfare.
“We expect them to cause appearance by tomorrow, Tuesday. If they fail to appear before this committee, we may be forced to take appropriate action. We may write to the Office of the Accountant General to block their account.”
In response, the Director of Finance and Accounts at the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria, Musa K Jemaku, criticized the Office of the Accountant General for alleging non-payment of operating surplus for three years.
“We will not take it lightly with any agency because this is an assignment that is very important to this country. We talk about revenue and if we cannot collect the revenue accruing to his country, I think there is a big problem“.
Jemaku disputed the figures provided by the AGF, stating that the agency had paid a substantial amount to the government and emphasized the need for proper communication channels.
He also pointed out discrepancies in the deduction process, urging the AGF to address the issue formally rather than raising it in such a forum.
