Senate Raises Alarm as Auditor-General’s Report Uncovers N105.6bn Fraud in MDAs

The Nigerian Senate has raised serious concerns over the Auditor-General’s report, which exposed a staggering misappropriation of N105.6 billion across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs). The upper chamber has promised firm sanctions against erring agencies, emphasising the need for accountability and compliance with legislative directives.

At a legislative oversight workshop in Abuja, Senator Garba Maidoki, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Legislative Compliance, expressed dismay at the financial irregularities.

“We cannot condone such a humongous misappropriation, especially in these critical times. Sanctions will be imposed on MDAs that ignore this report,” Maidoki declared.

The Auditor-General’s report highlighted systemic violations, including N18.36 billion spent on contracts awarded without adherence to the Public Procurement Act. Maidoki criticised agency heads for frequently failing to appear before the Senate to explain their financial dealings, warning, “Firm action will be taken against any agency head who disregards Senate directives.”

Senate President Godswill Akpabio, represented by Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau, reinforced the Senate’s resolve to uphold legislative compliance.

“Adherence to legislative resolutions is crucial for achieving Nigeria’s development goals and maintaining public trust,” Akpabio remarked.

The workshop, organised by the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS) in collaboration with Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS), also featured insights from key stakeholders.

Professor Abubakar Sulaiman, NILDS Director-General, outlined systemic challenges such as weak enforcement, bureaucratic inertia, and insufficient political support. “These issues erode public trust and undermine governance efforts,” Sulaiman cautioned.

The Senate’s Committee on Public Accounts has already initiated an investigation into the reported financial mismanagement.

Acting Clerk to the National Assembly, Mr. Kamoru Ogunlana, stressed the importance of compliance in building public confidence, stating, “For laws to have meaning, there must be consistent and effective compliance with legislative directives.”

As the Senate intensifies its oversight functions, Maidoki reassured the public of its commitment to holding MDAs accountable.

This effort underscores the legislature’s determination to curb corruption, restore trust, and efficiently use public funds for Nigeria’s sustainable development.