The House of Representatives has again threatened to sanction any Ministry, Department and Agency of the Federal Government that engages in extra-budgetary expenses.
The House therefore called on MDAs to desist from the practice forthwith, stating that it runs foul of the Constitution.
The Chairman, House Committee on Public Procurement, Rep. Unyime Idem, handed down the warning during his committee’s investigative hearing into the activities and expenditure of MDAs.
Addressing journalists after the hearing, Reps. Idem who represents Ukanafun/ Oruk Anam Federal Constituency noted that the Public Procurement Committee discovered that some MDAs are engaging in extra-budgetary expenses, a practice which runs contrary to the Constitution.
According to the Public Procurement Chairman, “Following our discovery, we have warned them that the house will not hesitate to sanction them if they don’t stop such practice of spending outside budgetary provisions, forthwith. Sections 80 and 81 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended, clearly explains that no public funds of the Federation shall be expended, except in the manner prescribed by the National Assembly (Appropriation Act).”
The House of Representatives Committee on Public Procurement is empowered by the Constitution to play oversight role on MDAs to ensure their expenditures are in line with budgetary provisions.
