The Nation Newspaper

Tag: House of Representatives

  • Reps launch probe into $4.6b health grants utilisation

    Reps launch probe into $4.6b health grants utilisation

    The House of Representatives Committee on Infectious Diseases yesterday opened an investigative hearing on over $1.8 billion and $2.8 billion grants received by Nigeria from the Global Fund and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) between 2021 and 2025 to combat  HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria, as well as for strengthening health systems.

    The committee’s chairman, Amobi Godwin Ogah, said the probe was essential to determine how the huge grants had been utilised and to ensure accountability in the management of funds aimed at tackling infectious diseases assailing Nigerians.

    Ogah recalled that the House had, during plenary on October 21, mandated the then Committee on HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria Control (ATM) to investigate the matter.

    The chairman hailed Speaker Tajudeen Abbas and the leadership of the House for renaming and expanding the committee’s mandate to the House Committee on Infectious Diseases, reflecting a broader focus on public health threats.

    “Nigeria continues to be battered by the ill effects of a greater burden of HIV, Tuberculosis, Malaria, and other numerous infectious diseases.

    “It appears that while budgetary allocations and donor funds are mobilised for the response against these health challenges, there is no reprieve in sight as Nigerians are ravaged daily,” Ogah said.

    The chairman said the hearing was meant to ascertain what had been done with the huge grants the country had received, stressing that 90 per cent of the intervention funds for these diseases came from international partners.

    He warned that Nigeria would no longer accept being a “mere spectator” in the management of the grants from donors, insisting that donor funds must henceforth be managed in line with Nigeria’s priorities.

    Read Also: Police, DSS, others begin patrol operations around churches in Abuja

    “Any grant or assistance being given to us without us managing such a grant is unacceptable. If they would not give us such grants and assistance on our terms, then let them keep their grants,” Ogah said. “We must assert our capacity to take charge of our affairs, particularly in the response against HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria.”

    The committee chairman directed the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare as well as the Country Coordinating Mechanism (CCM), to ensure that all principal recipients and implementing partners submit their implementation plans for approval by the National Assembly before funds are released.

    “The era of spending Nigeria’s money without approval and accountability is over,” he warned.

    Ogah announced that the House was amending the NACA Establishment Bill to transform the agency into a multi-sectoral body with an expanded mandate. When passed, the agency will be renamed the National Agency for the Control of AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (NACATAM).

    The hearing, he said, would help the committee to determine the level of transparency and accountability in the use of donor funds since 2021. “Anyone, whether state or non-state actors, must indeed account for every Nigerian kobo spent for the response against public health threats,” he said.

    With the eighth replenishment of the Global Fund expected this month, Ogah said Nigeria must move away from dependency and inefficiency in managing donor resources.

    “We must maximise and efficiently utilise the resources at our disposal by cutting out all forms of duplication and wastage, while allocating domestic resources to areas that will present greater value for Nigerians,” he said.

    The chairman promised that the committee would work closely with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC) to ensure that principal recipients and implementing partners of all grants account to Nigerians.

    “This is even more critical when you consider that some funding for terrorist activities has been traced to grants and donor funds,” Ogah added.

    He urged implementing partners to prepare for a robust parliamentary oversight, regretting that some lacked proper or verifiable office addresses.

    The committee, he said, would ensure that the Ministry of Health and the Country Coordinating Mechanism render account on all entities receiving donor grants.

    Ogah added that the hearing was not a witch-hunt but a democratic measure to ensure transparency and value for public health spending.

    “This exercise is an essential ingredient of democracy and should not be seen as a vendetta or warfare,” he said. “We are very clear in our vision to ensure that no Nigerian child dies before age five from HIV, Tuberculosis, or Malaria. We want to ensure that the advocacy and commitment that will lead to the elimination of infectious diseases in our country by 2030 are championed and owned by all relevant stakeholders.”

    The Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Muhammad Ali Pate, called for a gradual end to Nigeria’s dependence on foreign aid in funding its response to HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria.

    Pate said the country must take greater responsibility for financing its health priorities as donor funding declines after two decades of support.

    He described the probe as a welcome step towards ensuring transparency, accountability and domestic ownership of health programmes.

    He noted that while donor assistance has saved millions of lives through HIV, TB and malaria interventions, Nigeria’s health spending remains below 15 per cent of the Abuja Declaration target.

    The minister warned that underfunding threatens sustainability.

    Declaring the session open, Speaker Yajudeen Abbas, who was represented by a lawmaker, Ibrahim Isiaka, said the investigation reflected the parliament’s resolve to ensure transparency in health funding.

    He said it would produce an evidence-based report on how the grants were received, utilised, and their impact on public health, while strengthening accountability and governance in the sector.

  • House demands full implementation of 2024, 2025 projects

    House demands full implementation of 2024, 2025 projects

    The House of Representatives, on Wednesday, referred President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s request to establish a ₦1.15 trillion domestic borrowing programme to the relevant committee for further legislative action.

    The request, contained in a letter titled: “Request for the Approval of the National Assembly for a Borrowing Programme to Fund the 2025 Budget Deficit” and dated October 31, 2025, was addressed to Speaker Abbas Tajudeen.

    Presiding over the plenary, the Deputy Speaker Benjamin Okezie Kalu, explained that the President’s request followed an upward review of the 2025 Appropriation Act by the National Assembly, which created an unfunded deficit gap.

    According to the President’s letter, the National Assembly approved a total budget of ₦59.99 trillion—an increase of ₦5.25 trillion over the ₦49.74 trillion earlier proposed by the Executive. 

    The adjustment, he noted, resulted in a total deficit of ₦14.10 trillion.

    However, the borrowing amount initially approved in the budget stood at ₦12.95 trillion, leaving an unfunded deficit of ₦1,147,462,863,321.39 (approximately ₦1.15 trillion).

    Tinubu stressed that the request was in line with Section 44 (1–2) of the Fiscal Responsibility Act (FRA), 2007, which requires National Assembly approval for all new borrowings by the Federal Government.

    In keeping with its oversight responsibility to promote fiscal discipline and transparency, the House referred the request to the Committee on Aids, Loans and Debt Management for detailed scrutiny. The committee is expected to examine the proposal and report back to the House for further consideration.

    The referral reflects the House’s commitment to upholding fiscal responsibility, debt sustainability, and accountability in the implementation of the 2025 Budget.

    Read Also: House of Reps in rowdy session as member bicker over committee functions

    During two closed-door sessions held on Wednesday, lawmakers demanded the full implementation of the capital component of the 2024 Appropriation Act.

    They expressed displeasure over the protest by indigenous contractors who blocked the main entrance of the National Assembly complex in Abuja on Tuesday and Wednesday, calling for the immediate release of funds for completed projects.

    The lawmakers also urged the Executive to ensure the prompt commencement of capital implementation for the 2025 Appropriation Act once approved, to prevent project delays and stalled development initiatives.

    Following the deliberations, the House adjourned plenary until next Tuesday. 

  • Adjournment: House backtracks resumes plenary Wednesday

    Adjournment: House backtracks resumes plenary Wednesday

    The House of Representatives has rescinded its decision to adjourn plenary for one week for interface with the Executive over payment of debts to local contractors for works executed since 2024.

    Spokesman of the House, Akintunde Rotimi said in a statement that to decision to backtrack followed positive development arising from engagement and interventions. 

    The House decided to adjourn after adopting a motion by the Minority Leader on the need to immediately pay the local contractors and commence implementation of the 2025 capital budget. 

    Rotimi said: “The House of Representatives will reconvene for plenary on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, contrary to the earlier resolution to adjourn sittings until Tuesday next week. 

    “This decision follows positive developments arising from engagements and interventions across various levels of government concerning issues that informed the earlier adjournment, particularly matters relating to contractors’ agitations and the non-release of funds under the 2024/2025 budget.

    “The development was formally conveyed to Honourable Members by the Clerk of the House of Representatives, Dr. Yahaya Danzaria, Esq., via an internal memorandum issued on Tuesday evening.

    “According to the communication, the early resumption will afford the Leadership of the House the opportunity to brief Members on progress recorded in resolving these issues and other related matters of national importance.

    “At Wednesday’s plenary, the House is expected to formally rescind its earlier adjournment resolution to enable proceedings to continue. The Leadership urges all Honourable Members to make the necessary arrangements to be in attendance.”

  • Creating states not guarantee for development

    Creating states not guarantee for development

    About six days ago, the Joint Committee of the Senate and House of Representatives on the review of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, approved the creation of an additional state in the South-East geopolitical zone of the Country. If ratified, the approval will increase the number of states in the Southeast from five to six. This is a welcome development because it will address the long-standing agitation over the region’s perceived marginalization. It is also worth noting that the last time new states were created in Nigeria was about 32 years ago.

    Furthermore, the joint committee considered a total of 55 requests for the creation of new states, two boundary adjustments, and the creation of 278 local governments. At the end of deliberations, the committee unanimously resolved that six additional states be created in the country, i.e., one additional state in each of the six geopolitical zones: North West, North East, North Central, South West, South-South, and South East. If all the requests successfully go through legislation, the number of states in the country will increase from 36 to 42, i.e., South West will have seven, South South will have seven, North West will have eight, North East will have seven, and North Central will have seven.

     The creation of an additional state for the South East region will neutralize the notion of marginalization of the South East by the people of South East Nigeria, i.e., the Ndigbo, and their sympathizers, including the international community. Indeed, there has been a long-standing feeling that the South East has been short-changed in national political structuring and other dynamics like political party primaries, national representation, resource allocation and sharing, etc. Therefore, this development is expected to address a long-standing geopolitical structure and zoning imbalance.

     However, while I welcome the creation of an additional state for southeast Nigeria, I am of the opinion that the creation of additional States for the other five geopolitical regions should not be the immediate priority for our national development. Because this does not reflect the seriousness of a country that is at a crossroads of development, far behind its peers, e.g., Brazil, India, Malaysia, a country that is struggling to get out of serious political and socio-economic challenges. 

    The questions we should ask ourselves and answer honestly are: What do we really want as Nigerians? What are our priorities? If the outcries for the creation of new states, by those people who are asking for new states, are due to “marginalization” in their respective states, which I know exists, because we cannot ignore the issues of marginalization, then would the creation of new states address those issues? As we are aware, identity politics and polarizing factors like ethnicity, tribalism, religious bigotry, etc., will continue to drive politics, economy, and social justice/injustice not just in Nigeria, but across the world.

    Read Also: Nigeria, EU seal deals to boost local manufacturing, stimulate health sector

     So, if the argument is that some people are being marginalized, which is true, how do we address those fundamental issues without “balkanizing the country”?  Because with the way we are going, by my own reckoning, in the coming years, almost all the current senatorial districts in states across Nigeria, numbering about 109, could become states. Basically, almost all the existing states could be split into three or two states, apart from border adjustments. If that happens, we could be setting a precedent that will make a joke of a federation called Nigeria. This is because in the next five years, other people within the microcosm of those senatorial districts will also demand their own states based on “marginalization”.

    Creation of Additional States alone cannot address Marginalization:

    By the way, the issues of marginalization across States are true. For example, in Benue State, in the past 65 years since the independence of Nigeria, the Idomas. Igedes and other tribes, who occupy an entire senatorial district in the State, have never produced a democratically elected Governor of that state. In Borno State, the Borno South senatorial district has never produced a democratically elected Governor of that state in the past 65 years since independence. In Kaduna state, there is an outcry by the southern Kaduna senatorial district that except for a period of about 2 years, when the he incumbent Governor, Arc Namadi Sambo became the Vice President of Nigeria, and late Patrick Yakowa who was his Deputy Governor took over and died in office, the Kaduna South senatorial district has never produced a democratically elected Governor of that state in the past 65 years since independence.  In Kogi state, also, the people of Kogi South senatorial district, who also occupy an entire senatorial district, have never produced a democratically elected Governor of that state since the advent of the state over 30 years ago. The same applies to Nasarawa North Senatorial District in Nasarawa State, which has never produced a democratically elected Governor of Nasarawa State since the advent of the state over 30 years ago. The list goes on and on. 

    Certainly, the above-stated examples of imbalances, and valid senses and outcries of marginalization have serious political, social, and economic implications for the people affected, the states, and the entire Country.  However, I believe that the creation of additional states will not solve these problems, but would rather further complicate our national political and socio-economic dilemmas. This is because, due to identity politics, even when we microzone those states and make them states, there would still be some people who would be marginalized.

     Therefore, my opinion is that, as Nigerians, we should push for creative and forward-thinking legislation to address this issue. Accordingly, I advocate that, as an instance, the zoning of the Presidency between northern and southern Nigeria, which is currently termed “an unwritten agreement, etc.”, should be entrenched in the Constitution. I should also be encrusted in the Constitution that Governorships should also rotate between senatorial districts in all the States across Nigeria. The objective is to achieve a sense of belonging and a sense of balance for all Nigerians. We must recognize that the attainment of unity in diversity, equity, and justice is not a shortcut, but it is a deliberate journey that should be based on what I call a “fair process”. 

    True Federalism and Devolution of Powers are Critical Success Factors:

    The focus should be about true federalism, and devolution of powers, proper resource allocation, management and sharing, etc., leadership recruitment process, elections integrity, rule of law, accountability, etc. The fundamental overhaul of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, over and beyond the annual “peace meal” ritual of “amendments” that will ensure not only that the Constitution is the actual will of the people, but also a Constitution that will ensure that everybody complies with the provisions of the constitution and failure to do so, the person or people will face the consequences no matter how highly placed they are. Because the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has a lot of loopholes and lacunas (gaps) that allow leaders to circumvent provisions of the constitution as they please.

     As a nation, we are struggling to make 36 State Governors and the Minister of FCT accountable and effectively deliver good governance. We are unable to make 36 State Governors remove their hands from running the local government administrations and remove their hands from the cash tills of the 774 local governments across the Country. Yet, we want to continue creating new states without solutions to our existing problems

    Indeed, while it is true that some of the advocates of new states creation have no ulterior motives, most of the people who are proponents and advocates of the creation of these new states have the self-serving objectives of positioning themselves to become Governors of those states who will further subjugate, pillage and destroy the people under the guise of being the emancipators of these people.

    The Cost of Creating Additional States:

    When we evaluate the economics of creating new states, we should note that the total cost of managing an already crawling economy is increasing exponentially. New States will require a new governance structure, framework, and systems, starting from the Executive, Legislative, and Judiciary arms of government. New instruments of government must be created, new state governors, new state legislators, new judges, new state executive councils, and other additional local government administrations, new Commissioners of Police, and other costs of running those governments.  Therefore, all the monies that we are supposed to invest to secure the country from insecurity, ensure food security, build infrastructure and catalyze a productive economy, ensure social security, and human capital development, create jobs, etc., will be redirected to creating states, which will not be viable.

  • Reps to investigate prevalence, effect of illicit drugs

    Reps to investigate prevalence, effect of illicit drugs

    The House of Representatives has constituted an ad hoc committee to investigate the prevalence, regulation and impact of drugs, tobacco, alcohol, illicit trafficking and related abuses on the economy of the nation.

    The committee, headed by Hon Oluwatimehin Adelegbe, was set up sequel to a resolution of the House to probe the prevalence of drug abuse by Nigerians.

    Read Also: FULL LIST: Five African countries Nigerians can visit without visa

    Hon. Adelegbe said in a statement that the committee has been charged with the urgent task of examining the root causes, identifying institutional weaknesses, regulatory and enforcement gaps and developing practical solutions to combat this menace by strengthening national drug control mechanisms, promoting public health and protecting citizens from substance-related harms.

    In view of the mandate and the urgency attached to it, the committee has resolved to interface with relevant stakeholders and other Nigerians with a view to identifying the causes and proffering solutions.

    He, therefore, urged Nigerians to take advantage of the initiative and submit detailed memoranda stating concerns, recommendations and proposed interventions on the subject matter. This will form the consultative process and guide legislative interventions, he said.

  • House demands report of non-FAAC allocations to States, LGAs since 2023

    House demands report of non-FAAC allocations to States, LGAs since 2023

    The House of Representatives has urged the Minister of Finance and Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to provide to the House, within two weeks, a detailed report of all Federal Government financial interventions, outside Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) extended to States and Local Governments from 2023 to date.

    The House said the report must include the nature of each intervention, amount disbursed, disbursement dates, recipient entities, and conditions (if any) attached.

    It mandated the Committees on Finance, Inter–Governmental Affairs, and Public Accounts to scrutinise the report upon submission and engage relevant stakeholders to ensure transparency, accountability, and value for money, and report within four weeks for further legislative action.

    These resolutions followed the adoption of a motion titled, “Call to provide details of Federal Government Interventions to States and Local Governments Outside Monthly FAAC Allocations (2023 to Date) sponsored by Hon. Abdussamad Dasuki.

    The House noted that the Federal Government, in addition to the statutory monthly allocations disbursed through the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC), has continued to provide various forms of financial interventions to States and Local Governments to address fiscal challenges and support development initiatives.

    The House said it was aware that such interventions include, but are not limited to, budget support facilities, infrastructure funds, ecological and emergency relief grants, and other discretionary or conditional support mechanisms.

    It expressed concerns that while these interventions are vital to addressing specific financial and developmental needs at subnational levels, the absence of a consolidated public record of these disbursements may undermine transparency, hinder effective oversight, and limit public accountability.

    The House worried that without detailed information on the nature, amounts, beneficiaries, and intended purposes of these interventions, it becomes difficult for the legislature to evaluate their effectiveness, monitor utilization, and ensure alignment with national development objectives.

    The House said it was cognizant of the constitutional responsibility of the National Assembly to conduct oversight over public finance and to promote fiscal transparency and accountability across all levels of government.

  • Reps to investigate oil sector’s violations

    Reps to investigate oil sector’s violations

    The House of Representatives has directed its relevant committees to investigate allegations of fragrant violations of the NOGICD Act 2010, PIA 2021, and Taxes and Levies Act by all Oil and Gas Companies operating in Imo State and the status of implementation of the Host Community Development Trusts in Imo State.

    In a resolution following a motion on notice, the House asked Oil and Gas Companies operating in the state to urgently comply with provisions of Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content (NOGICD) Act 2010 regarding indigenous employment, contracts awards, and establishment of operational offices.

    The House is also insisting on the implementation of the Host Communities Development Trust requirements under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021 and grant unfettered access to officials of the Imo State Internal Revenue Service for the performance of their lawful duties, while also engaging in genuine dialogue with Host the community leaders to address grievance and ensure peaceful coexistence.

    Leading debate on the motion, Okafor said the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development (NOGICD) Act, 2010 was enacted to promote the utilization of Nigerian human and material resources, and the participation of Nigerian companies in the oil and gas industry.

    He said the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), 2021 provides a robust legal and regulatory framework for the Nigerian petroleum industry, including specific provisions for host community development, environmental management, and equitable benefit sharing.

    He said the Taxes and Levies (Approved List for Collection) Act, authorizes State Governments to collect certain taxes and levies from businesses operating within their territories, which is crucial for funding state infrastructure and social services.

    Okafor said several International and Indigenous Oil Companies (IOCs) operating oil and gas fields within the oil-producing communities of Imo State, notably in Ohaji/Egbema, Oguta, and other LGAs as hosts, namely.

    He listed the companies as Seplat Energy Plc: – OML 53,Niger Delta Petroleum Resources (NDPR): – OML 54, Sterling Oil Exploration & Energy Production Co. Ltd. (SEEPCO), WalterSmith Petroman Oil Limited: – OML 16,Associate Oil & Gas Limited/Dansaki Petroleum Limited (A Consortium): Umuseti/Igwe marginal field, Chorus Energy Limited (Formerly Shell Portfolio), TotalEnergies / NNPC Joint Venture and Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Limited

    Read Also: Public-private partnerships key to reviving Nigeria’s hospitality industry, says Ogbeh

    He informed the House of what he described as persistent outcry and allegations from host communities and state Government regarding the failure to establish functional operational offices within their areas of operation in Imo State as mandated by Section 3(j) of the NOGICD Act, 2010, thereby denying the state, valuable economic activity and employment.

    He said there has systematic failure of these companies to prioritize the employment of qualified indigenes of Imo State, in direct violation of Sections 11, 28, and 35 of the NOGICD Act, 2010 and refusal to award contracts to competent Nigerian companies, especially those from the host communities, for goods and services.

    Okafor also spoke of obstruction of lawful efforts by the Imo State Government and Imo State Internal Revenue Service (IIRS) to access their premises for assessment and collection of legally approved state taxes and levies and non-compliance with the Host Communities Development Trust provisions under Chapter 3 of the PIA, 2021, leading to a lack of tangible benefits and development in these communities.

    He said these acts of non-compliance have led to immense frustration, widespread agitations, and a palpable threat of social unrest within the host communities.

    He said further that the continued neglect and infringement of these laws, if not urgently addressed, may lead to violent protests that could threaten national security, destruction of critical oil and gas infrastructure, disrupting production and harming the national economy and a breakdown of law and order in the oil-producing regions of Imo State.

  • Reps begin investigation of alleged mismanagement of oil spill funds

    Reps begin investigation of alleged mismanagement of oil spill funds

    The House of Representatives has commenced investigation into the alleged mismanagement of funds allocated for the cleanup of oil spillage in the Niger Delta.

    Speaking at the inaugural meeting of the ad hoc committee set up by the House to carry out the investigation, Chairman of the committee, Okpolupm Etteh said Niger Delta has faced years of environmental degradation and untold damage due to oil exploration and frequent spills.

    He said the establishment of the committee by the House underscores the shared commitment to ensuring accountability, transparency, and environmental justice for the people of the Niger Delta.

    According to him, the Niger Delta has faced years of environmental degradation and untold damage due to oil exploration and frequent spills while various government agencies have been created or assigned the responsibility of conducting environmental remediation and clean-up operations.

    He said “unfortunately, troubling reports of alleged mismanagement, inefficiency, and poor coordination have overshadowed these initiatives.

    “Similarly, this House has also received reports that Funds allocated for clean-up efforts have not produced the anticipated outcomes, leaving communities still affected, livelihoods in jeopardy, and public trust diminished.

    Read Also: Nigeria’s mining sector records decade of growth – Alake

    “Our Committee has been assigned the critical task of uncovering the truth, evaluating the effectiveness of interventions, and proposing reforms for sustainable solutions.

    “Our objectives are clear. We will investigate the utilization of funds designated for environmental remediation, review the actual execution of clean-up projects, identify deficiencies in the institutional framework, and engage with all relevant stakeholders, including host communities, experts, and civil society. Most importantly, we will recommend specific actions to enhance performance and rebuild public trust.”

    He emphasised that the committee is not on a quest for witch-hunt, but will not hesitate to ask tough questions to unravel the truth for posterity and to uphold the integrity of our mission.

    He said “We will operate transparently, seek broad consultations, and conduct field visits to witness the situation firsthand. Agencies will be held accountable, community perspectives will be valued, and our conclusions will be based on factual evidence rather than emotions.

    “Our aim is to illuminate the truth and ensure that the Niger Delta receives the justice it rightfully deserves. We will conduct our work with professionalism, patriotism, and a strong respect for the rule of law.

    “The task ahead is both urgent and essential. The Niger Delta cannot endure another decade of unfulfilled promises. It is high time we transformed words into action. We, therefore, seek the cooperation of all stakeholders—government agencies, communities, civil society, and the media—to help us effectively achieve our mandate”.

  • House panel summons minister over utilisation of funds by foreign missions

    House panel summons minister over utilisation of funds by foreign missions

    …commends Tinubu for 2025 financial releases

    The House of Representatives Committee on Foreign Affairs has invited the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, and Heads of Missions for questioning over the utilisation of appropriated funds by the foreign missions in 2025.

    The Committee, in a letter dated July 24, 2025 and signed by its Chairman, Oluwole Oke, said its powers were based on Sections 88 and 89 of the 1999 Constitution (As amended) to demand detailed records of utilisations of the funds by the various agencies.

    The letter inviting Tuggar and Heads of Missions read in part, “The Missions are required to furnish the following documents: approved budget of the missions from 2024-2025; budget performance of the missions for the above years; record of special interventions released to the missions and their applications between 2018-2025 and staff nominal roll for both home and local staff.

    “The Honourable Minister is kindly requested to bring the content of this letter to all Heads of Missions.”

    Another letter, dated July 3, 2025, signed by the Director of Funds on behalf of the Accountant General of the Federation, revealed that the President Bola Tinubu-led administration released a total of $54 million to cater to the needs of the nation’s 103 Embassies and High Commissions.

    While overhead cost got an allocation of $46.14m, personal cost accounted for $9.58m, with overhead allocated $282,829.

    Speaking with some journalists in Abuja, Hon Oke commended President Tinubu for the intervention, even as he charged Mr Tuggar and Heads of the various missions to provide the Committee with detailed records of the disbursement of the funds.

    “We commend the President for intervening, and we are thankful for his commitment to revive the missions. His intervention in 2025 will go a long way in projecting a great image for our country.

    “We urge the missions to come forth and inform Nigerians through their representatives in parliament how the intervention funds have been utilised. This will ensure transparency and accountability, which are two basic requirements for good governance,” Oke said.

    A breakdown of the disbursement showed that the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs was allocated $5.89m, while the Embassy of Nigeria in Moscow got $1.96m. The nation’s Embassy in Rome, Italy, got $2.82m, while Vienna and Athens got $1.09m and $1.04m respectively.

    Others include Embassy of Nigeria in Tel Aviv-$1.8m; Addis Ababa $1.92m; Consulate General of Nigeria, Jeddah $1.48m; Consulate General of Nigeria, Dubai $1.26m and Embassy of Nigeria, Madrid, Spain $1.23m; Embassies of Nigeria in Tehran/Abu Dhabi $1.18m, among others.

    Oke said the Committee is not on a witch-hunt mission but “Is merely responding to the need to make governance count for Nigeria and Nigerians.”

    The nation’s foreign missions have, in the past few years, been poorly funded, leading to poor consular services to Nigerians abroad. This is in addition to allegations of corruption by officials of the missions abroad.

    Earlier in 2025, the Oke-led Committee commenced an investigation into allegations of a contract scandal involving the alleged mismanagement of $2m for the renovation of Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York.

  • Reps Minority caucus summons emergency meeting over leadership crisis

    Reps Minority caucus summons emergency meeting over leadership crisis

    Ahead of the resumption of plenary on Tuesday, the Minority Caucus of the House of Representatives has summoned an emergency meeting to address the growing crisis within its ranks.

    The move followed a lawsuit filed by the House Minority Leader, Rt. Hon. Kingsley Chinda, against all minority parties, alleging a plot to remove him without due process in violation of the 1999 Constitution and the standing orders of the House.

    Following the suit, the Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice J.O. Abdulmalik, granted an interim injunction directing all parties, including the National Assembly and the House leadership, to maintain the status quo pending the determination of the matter.

    A notice of the emergency meeting, signed by PDP Caucus Leader Hon. Agbedi Frederick, Labour Party Caucus Leader Hon. Afam Victor Ogene, NNPP representative Hon. Muktar Umar-Zakari, and YPP Leader Hon. Peter Uzokwe, scheduled the session for 8 p.m. on Monday, October 6, 2025.

    The notice, addressed to all minority members of the House, reads in part:

    “You are hereby invited to an emergency meeting to discuss recent developments in the minority leadership, particularly to review the lawsuit instituted by Minority Leader, Hon. Kingsley Chinda, against all members of minority parties in the 10th House of Representatives.”

    Read Also: Tinubu hails ex-CDS Irabor at 60, describes him as a true war commander

    The agenda of the meeting focuses on preparing a “response to the lawsuit instituted by the Minority Leader” and addressing any other business (AOB).

    Earlier on Saturday, The Nation reported that the Federal High Court halted alleged moves by some Minority Caucus members to remove Chinda (PDP, Rivers) over his perceived closeness to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.

    The court’s interim order, issued following a suit filed on behalf of Chinda by Dr. J.Y. Musa (SAN), restrained all parties from taking further action until the case is decided.

    Defendants in the suit include the National Assembly, the Clerk to the National Assembly, the House of Representatives, the Speaker, the Clerk of the House, and the leadership of the PDP, NNPP, Labour Party, APGA, SDP, ADP, and YPP.

    Chinda is seeking an order restraining the Defendants, their servants, privies, officers, agents, members, howsoever described, from removing him as Minority Leader of the House of Representatives without compliance with the due process of the law or accepting/recognising any exercise by any person(s) purportedly removing him from his position as the Minority Leader of the House.

    In his ruling, the Judge said, “It is my considered firm opinion that to ensure all the parties listed in these processes have equal playing ground by virtue of their constitutional rights enshrined in Section 36 (1) of the 1999 Constitution Federal Republic of Nigeria (as Amended), as well as the need to protect the res sought in the application. It is hereby ordered as follows:

    “That the applicant shall forthwith serve on all the Defendants/Respondents the Motion on Notice with Suit No:- FHC/ABJ/CS/1936/2025 filed on 16th September 2025, along with all relevant processes filed in this matter, so as not to foist a fait accompli on the outcome of the reliefs sought in this application which are also same reliefs prayed in the Motion on Notice with Suit No:- FHC/ABJ/CS/1936/2025.

    “THAT the hearing of the Motion on Notice with Suit No:- FHC/ABJ/CS/1936/ 2025 filed on 16th September 2025, shall pursuant to Section 6 (6) (b) of the 1999 Constitution Federal Republic of Nigeria (as Amended) be EXPEDIENTLY resolved on its MERIT by this Honourable Court for the attainment of Justice in this matter.

    “That all the concerned parties listed in this application SHALL maintain STATUS QUO in respect of the res prayed on the face of the motion ex parte pending the hearing and determination on its merit of the Motion on Notice with Suit No:- FHC/ABJ/CS/1936/2025 filed on 16th September 2025.

    “That all the Defendants/Respondents SHALL be served with Hearing Notices in respect of this matter.”