Senate Proposes Zero Allocations for Non-Compliant MDAs

The Nigerian Senate has taken steps to enforce compliance among Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) by proposing zero budgetary allocations for those that disregard its resolutions. This action is a response to a report by the Senate Committee on Legislative Compliance, which identified several defaulters, including the Ministry of Works, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Power, Ministry of Petroleum Resources, Ministry of Information, Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Ministry of Environment, and Ministry of Solid Minerals Development.

The committee, chaired by Senator Garba Maidoki, found that these agencies failed to implement 27 resolutions passed by the Senate, undermining legislative oversight. The Senate's authority to enforce compliance is derived from Section 4 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and its Standing Orders.

The report indicated that some agencies ignored the resolutions or did not respond to invitations for appearances during the investigation. The Senate is now considering budgetary sanctions against these MDAs to ensure adherence to its resolutions.