The House of Representatives on Thursday resolved to probe allegations of contract payment fraud in the Federal Ministries of Finance and the Office of the Accountant-General.
According to the House, there are reports of contractors being cajoled into paying kickbacks or facing unjustified deductions from their payments as a condition for processing their invoice in the institutions mentioned.
To this end, the House mandated government to immediately institute a transparent and accountable digital payment system aimed at eliminating human interference in contract payments and ensure timely disbursement and compliance with due process.
Adopting a motion on notice sponsored by Paul Nnamchi (LP, Enugu), Julius Ihonvbere (APC, Edo), and Aminu Sani Jaji (APC, Zamfara) 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.
The House Leader while leading debate on the motion, stressed that the 1999 Constitution (as amended) 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 emphasized that 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 “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.
