Senate Warns MDAs of Sanctions for Defying Summons

On Thursday, the Senate escalated its confrontation with ministries, departments, and government-owned enterprises (MDAs and GOEs) by warning that any institution that defies legislative summons will face constitutional sanctions. The resolution, adopted after a motion by Senator Sani Musa (APC, Niger East), mandates all MDAs and GOEs to comply with Senate invitations and submit necessary documents for oversight.

Musa accused several revenue-generating agencies of frustrating legislative oversight by not appearing before the Senate Committee on Finance or providing requested financial records. He cited Sections 88 and 89 of the 1999 Constitution, which empower the National Assembly to investigate public fund management.

Musa lamented the repeated non-compliance of several agencies, describing it as a challenge to the National Assembly's authority. The Senate directed the Clerk of the National Assembly to communicate this decision to all affected agencies and called on relevant government officials to ensure compliance.