HoR Warns MDAs Of Disrespect, Non-Compliance To NASS resolutions

By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna

House of Representative (HoR) Committee on Legislative Compliance has warned the Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), of disrespect, disregard and non -compliance with National Assembly resolutions including issues linked to corruption.

The House committee gave the warning during a press briefing on Thursday through its chairman Hon. Yusuf Ahmed Badau, in Abuja.

The chairman said National Assembly, as the legislative arm of government, played critical roles in Nigeria’s democratic process, and warned that it’ll not tolerate any further acts of disrespect or disregard for the resolutions of the National Assembly by MDAs.

“Its resolutions are key instruments through which it exercises its over sight functions as enshrined in Sections 88 and 89 of the 1999
Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended)”, he stated.

He also said “It is with a sense of duty and commitment to the principles of accountability, good governance, and the rule of law that I address you today on behalf of the House Committee on Legislative Compliance.

“This briefing is necessitated by a growing and troubling trend of disrespect and non-compliance with resolutions of the National Assembly by Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) of government.

“The National Assembly, as the legislative arm of government, plays critical role in Nigeria’s democratic process. Its resolutions are key instruments through which it exercises its over sight functions as enshrined in Sections 88 and 89 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).

“These resolutions are derived from extensive deliberations, investigations, and consultations aimed at addressing the challenges facing the nation and ensuring good governance for all citizens”, he also stated.

He stated that ” However, it has come to our attention, with increasing concern, that several MDAs have demonstrated a pattern of disrespect, disregard, and non-compliance with these parliamentary resolutions”, he further stated

According to him, “Such actions undermine the authority of the legislature, weaken the principles of separation of powers, and erode public confidence in government institutions”.

The chairman noted that in the course of discharging their duties as a House Committee, they observed tha “Many MDAS failed to honour invitations or summons issued by the committee for hearings, investigations, or briefings. This behavior is a clear violation of constitutional provisions.

“Despite clear parliamentary directives or resolutions, several MDAs continue to disregard their obligations to act on matters requiring immediate attention or reform.

“Some MDAs failed to provide updates or reports on the status of
implementation of resolutions passed by the National Assembly, creating a disconnect in governance.
“These acts of non-compliance are not only unacceptable but also a challenge to the principles of accountability and transparency that guide our democratic
governance’, he stated.

He also stated that in responds to the disturbing trend, the House Committee on Legislative Compliance is taking steps to ensure compliance.

“The Committee will invoke the powers vested in the National Assembly to ensure compliance with its resolutions and summons in line with Sections 88 and 89 of the Constitution.
“The Committee will engage with the leadership of the National Assembly to explore legislative and administrative measures to address non-compliance.

“Where non-compliance is linked to issues of corruption, waste, or abuse of office, relevant anti-corruption agencies will be notified to take appropriate action”_ he said.

The lists of non-compliance MDAs and the text of the press briefing reads: “Under listed are MDAs that continue to disrespect or ignore parliamentary resolutions; Federal Inland Revenue Services (FlRS),
Office of the Accountant General of the Federation, Bank of Industry (BOl), Federal Ministry of Transport,
Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), Federal Ministry of Education, Federal Housing Authority (FHA)
Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement
(NESREA), Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, Nigeria Communication Satellite Limited
Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corp (NSCDC), Police Service Commission, Nigerian Immigration Service, National University, National Island Waterways Authority, Tertiary Education Trust fund (TETfund), Federal Mortgage Bank”, respectively.

The chairman said the MDAs have seven (7) days ultimatum to comply or face by action, adding that the House committee on Legislature Compliance will not tolerate any further acts of disrespect or disregard for the resolutions of the National Assembly.

“We are committed to ensuring that all MDAs adherence to constitutional principles, respect the legislative process, and act responsibly in the discharge of
their duties.

“We urge Nigerians to remain vigilant and support the National Assembly in its efforts to uphold accountability, transparency, and good governance”, he said.