Data gathered by OrderPaper reveals that only 15 percent of MDAs have complied with Senate resolutions, while the House of Representatives recorded an even lower compliance rate of 5 percent.
The National Assembly (NASS) has expressed displeasure with and warned Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) of the federal government against non-compliance with resolutions from plenary of the Senate and House of Representatives.
Chairman of the Senate Committee on Legislative Compliance, Sen. Garba Maidoki (PDP, Kebbi South), threatened that sanctions will henceforth be imposed on any ministry or agency found disregarding legislative directives contained in the resolutions of both houses.
Strategising to address a disturbing trend
Speaking at a workshop organised by the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS) in collaboration with Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS) last Monday in Abuja, Maidoki expressed growing frustration over the persistent failure heads of MDAs to honor Senate invitations. The workshop, themed “Strengthening Legislative Compliance for Effective Governance,” underscored the critical role of compliance in fostering accountability within the public sector.
“The Senate will no longer tolerate the habitual disregard for its summons or directives,” Maidoki warned, adding that failure to engage with the legislative arm undermines effective governance and public trust.
Sen. Maidoki reiterated that the Senate is deeply concerned by the widespread neglect of legislative resolutions and the blatant misuse of public funds. He emphasised that sanctions would be levied against any agency head implicated in such practices, signaling a more assertive stance from the National Assembly moving forward.
To address the compliance gap, Maidoki called for stronger collaboration between his committee and others, underscoring the need for coordinated efforts to ensure that MDAs adhere to legislative directives and address findings from oversight reports.
He said: “We will take firm action against any agency head who disregards senate directives. Over the years, the committee has been faced with some challenges like failure of committees to meet up with deadlines in submission of reports and non-adherence to senate resolutions by Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs). It is in the light of this that the committee met with NILDS to discuss the concept of a dashboard on compliance that will help monitor compliance by the committees of the senate and concerned MDAs. This will improve and strengthen the committee and ensure proper monitoring of committees and MDAs compliance to senate resolutions.”
Akpabio rues non-compliance by MDAs
Speaking at the workshop, the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, reiterated the senate’s dedication to promoting accountability, transparency and good governance in the country.
Akpabio, who was represented by the Deputy President of the Senate, Barau Jibrin, stated that as the people’s representatives, their job is to make sure the laws and resolutions passed by the legislature were carried out efficiently.
Stressing how legislative compliance is critical to the success of governance, he noted that without it the National Assembly’s efficacy would be compromised, public confidence in the government would decline, and the development agenda would come to a standstill.
He said, “As we deliberate on these issues, I urge us all to consider the broader implications of compliance on governance. When laws and resolutions are ignored or poorly implemented, the very foundation of democracy is weakened.
“Strengthening legislative compliance is, therefore, not just a procedural task but a patriotic duty that directly impacts the lives of Nigerians. Let me take this opportunity to reaffirm the commitment of the Senate to fostering accountability, transparency and good governance. We will continue to support that ensure the effective implementation of laws and policies, in alignment with our legislative agenda and the aspirations of the Nigerian people.”
Dismal level of compliance with NASS resolutions
The issue of non-compliance extends beyond senate summons and deeply affects resolutions passed by the parliament. Each plenary day, motions are debated from which resolutions containing demands on various MDAs are made.
However, data gathered by OrderPaper reveals that since the beginning of the 10th assembly, only 15 percent of MDAs have complied with resolutions from the senate, while the House of Representatives recorded an even lower compliance rate of 5 percent. This disregard persists despite the fact that these agencies were established by the National Assembly to serve public interests.
While the National Assembly has continued to criticise MDAs on this issue, the special adviser to the president on senate matters, Sen. Basheer Lado, also criticised certain MDAs for their lack of cooperation with the federal legislature. The presidential aide highlighted that responding to legislative oversight is a vital component of public service and crucial for building confidence in government operations.
The FLEX factor
Non-compliance with NASS resolutions by MDAs is a trend that is not unconnected to the transitioning of politicians from the legislature to the executive arm of the government. Recall that OrderPaper published the FLEX (From the Legislature to the Executive) Policy Review which provides critical insight into Nigeria’s leadership recruitment pipeline.
It highlights a recurring pattern and provides evidence that the movement of ex-legislators into the federal cabinet and heads of various governmental agencies could potentially undermine the independence of the parliament.
For more information and to access the FLEX report, please click: https://orderpaper.ng/flex/
