Reps Demand Repayment Plan for N75bn UBEC Debt from Officials

The House of Representatives has summoned Taiwo Oyedele, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, and Shamseldeen Ogunjimi, the Accountant-General of the Federation, to address an outstanding N75 billion debt owed to the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC). The officials are required to appear before the House Public Accounts Committee on Thursday, October 22, 2026, to explain the repayment strategy and provide a definitive timeline for the refund.

This decision followed a hearing in Abuja on October 16, where lawmakers expressed concerns about the withdrawal of funds from government agencies without clear repayment terms. The committee, led by Deputy Chairman Jeremiah Umaru, emphasized that public funds should not be redirected without established conditions and that borrowing agencies must assure repayment within an agreed timeframe.

The committee seeks a firm commitment from both officials regarding the outstanding debt and repayment arrangements, as well as addressing the broader issue of substantial deductions from agency revenues affecting their operational capabilities.