Reps Issue Stern Warning to Government Agencies Over Non-Adherence to Laws

The House of Representatives Committee on Public Accounts has sounded a warning to government agencies, emphasizing that ignorance of the law is no excuse for non-compliance. This stern warning was issued by Chairman Bamidele Salam (PDP, Osun) during a meeting with the Executive Secretary of the Financial Reporting Council, Dr. Rabiu Olowo.

The warning comes on the heels of a query from the Office of the Auditor General for the Federation, which revealed that the Financial Reporting Council purchased ICT equipment worth N28.297 million without obtaining the necessary approval from the Nigeria Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA). This action is a clear breach of the NITDA Act, which mandates all government agencies to secure clearance and approval from NITDA before procuring ICT equipment.

Dr. Olowo acknowledged the infraction, stating that the agency purchased the equipment to facilitate its operations. However, he assured the committee that measures would be taken to prevent similar infractions in the future.

Committee member Billy Osawaru (APC, Edo) expressed concerns about the agency’s actions, highlighting that the NITDA Act prescribes penalties for non-compliance. Osawaru argued that the committee should apply these penalties to serve as a deterrent to other agencies.

Kabiru Ahmadu (PDP, Zamfara) supported Osawaru’s position, emphasizing that the Financial Reporting Council’s actions constituted a breach of the NITDA Act. Ahmadu advocated for the application of sanctions as outlined in the act.

Matthew Nwogu (LP, Imo) also weighed in on the matter, stating that since the agency’s head had admitted to the infraction, the committee should focus on applying the consequences rather than debating the issue.

In his ruling, Chairman Salam cautioned that applying the full force of the law might be excessive, given that the agency had already purchased the equipment. Instead, Salam warned the agency to desist from similar infractions in the future.

The committee also granted the Permanent Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment a two-week extension to respond to audit queries. The Permanent Secretary, Salihu Usman, had requested more time to settle into his new role and prepare a proper response to the queries.