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The House of Representatives has resolved to probe allegations of fraudulent practices in the payment of contractors by officials of the Federal Ministries of Finance and the Office of the Accountant-General.
Adopting a motion on notice sponsored by Paul Nnamchi (LP, Enugu), Julius Ihonvbere (APC, Edo), and Aminu Sani Jaji (APC, Zamfara) on Thursday during plenary, the House urged the Federal Government to strengthen internal controls mechanism and make clear punishment for officials found wanting in corrupt practices within the payment system.
This is just as it asked the government to immediately establish a transparent and accountable digital payment system to eliminate discretionary human interference in contract payments and ensure timely disbursement and compliance with due process.
Leading a debate on the motion at the plenary on Thursday, the House Leader stressed the fact that the 1999 Constitution (as amended) mandates transparency, accountability, and prudent management of public funds as fundamental principles of governance.
According to him, Section 15(5) of the Constitution provides that “The State shall abolish all corrupt practices and abuse of power,” which underscores the government’s obligation to prevent, investigate, and punish malfeasance practices, particularly in public finance management.
He added that there are reports of contractors being cajoled into offering kickbacks or facing unjustified deductions from their payments as a condition for processing their invoices by officials of the Federal Ministry of Finance.
In his words, corrupt practices in contract payments lead to the abandonment of critical infrastructure projects, loss of jobs, and economic hardship, contrary to the objectives of the present administration’s economic recovery efforts.
The House Leader further said such practices the unrestrained “Discourages credible investors and undermines faith in the government’s ability to uphold transparency and accountability.”
He warned that if these allegations are not thoroughly investigated and tackled, contractors will lose confidence in government engagements, leading to slowed economic development and failed infrastructure projects nationwide.
He said the situation demands an urgent and decisive response in line with Section 88(1) and (2) which empowers the National Assembly to investigate any matter related to the administration of laws within its legislative competence; the conduct of any official or department responsible for public revenue and expenditure.
