The House of Representatives has initiated a comprehensive investigation into the financial management of the National Examination Council (NECO), prompted by allegations of unauthorized fund transfers, irregular budget execution, and potential misappropriation of its internally generated revenue (IGR) spanning 2023 to 2025.
This decision came after Hon. Amobi Godwin Ogah presented a motion of urgent public importance during Thursday’s plenary session, highlighting concerns over apparent fiscal mismanagement and possible breaches of constitutional provisions within the agency.
In his presentation, Ogah referenced Sections 88 and 89 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), emphasizing the National Assembly’s authority to summon documents and demand accountability from any government ministry, department, or agency to ensure transparency in public financial affairs.
He underscored NECO’s responsibility as a revenue-earning institution to maintain rigorous financial discipline and to be transparent regarding its income, expenditures, and contributions to the Federation Account.
Ogah pointed to credible signs suggesting that NECO may have engaged in unauthorized virements-transferring funds between budget lines without legislative approval-a serious infringement of legal protocols.
“Should NECO have executed virements without the sanction of the National Assembly, it would constitute a blatant breach of the law and weaken the fiscal oversight mechanisms established by this legislative body,” Ogah asserted.
He further stressed that the House’s oversight mandate necessitates unrestricted access to NECO’s financial documents to verify adherence to statutory requirements.
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“For effective oversight, the National Assembly or its designated committee must review NECO’s budgetary and IGR performance from 2023 onward. This includes examining bank statements and proof of remittances to the Federation Account within the same timeframe,” Ogah elaborated.
He warned that any unilateral reallocation of funds by NECO without legislative consent would represent a serious constitutional violation and an affront to the authority of the House.
After thorough discussion, the House resolved to empower its Committee on Basic Education and Examination Bodies to undertake an in-depth investigation into NECO’s financial dealings, focusing on budget execution, revenue collection, and remittance practices from 2023 through 2025.
The committee was tasked with submitting a detailed report within three weeks, outlining findings and proposing necessary legislative measures.
Members of the House emphasized that this inquiry is crucial not only for enforcing constitutional accountability but also for safeguarding public confidence in one of Nigeria’s pivotal educational institutions.