Shape Up or Ship Out: Akpabio Warns Senate Committees Over Poor Performance

By Achimi Muktar

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has issued a stern warning to non-performing Senate committee chairmen, threatening to reshuffle committees and install capable leaders to restore accountability in the upper chamber.

During Tuesday’s plenary session, Akpabio expressed frustration over the failure of certain committees to conduct oversight on critical government agencies, highlighting a glaring lapse in the Senate’s duty to ensure fiscal responsibility.

“If for any reason some committees are finding it too difficult to oversight their agencies, we will change the composition of the committees so that those who have the capacity and capabilities can take over,” Akpabio declared, setting a firm tone for Senate operations moving forward.

Oversight Under Scrutiny

The warning came in response to concerns raised by Senator Abdul Ningi (Bauchi Central), who pointed out the Senate Finance Committee’s inability to oversee 92 revenue-generating agencies. Akpabio emphasized that the leadership would no longer tolerate inefficiency, calling for actionable results by January 2025.

“I would like a report from almost all the committees to be submitted by January 31st so that we will know where they have difficulties,” he directed, signaling a strict timeline for accountability.

No More Dodging Accountability

Akpabio also condemned the continued defiance of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) that ignore Senate invitations for questioning. Citing the constitutional power of the National Assembly to compel compliance, he urged committees to enforce their mandates vigorously.

“The powers are there, and the constitution backs us. I do not see where any MDAs or agency will refuse to comply with the invitation or demands from any committee of the Senate or the National Assembly as a whole,” he said.

He warned that overlooking such non-compliance allows it to become normalized, urging lawmakers to take their oversight responsibilities seriously.

A Taxing Revelation

The plenary also unveiled a shocking revelation from Senator Aliyu Wadada (Nasarawa West), chair of the Senate Public Accounts Committee. He accused the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) of failing to remit petroleum profit tax for several years.

Wadada further criticized FIRS for submitting questionable documents allegedly from JP Morgan, marked with tipex and handwritten annotations, which he deemed “extremely unacceptable.”

“Federal Inland Revenue Service, in collaboration with NNPC, has not remitted petroleum profit tax for several years to the federation account. All efforts to resolve this have been unachieved,” Wadada revealed, calling for urgent action to address the glaring irregularities.

A Call for Credibility

With over 70 standing committees in the Senate, Akpabio’s ultimatum underscores the pressing need for effective leadership and unwavering commitment to oversight. As the Senate braces for changes, Akpabio’s call for credible performance sends a clear message: inefficiency will no longer be tolerated.

The coming months will determine whether the Senate can live up to its constitutional responsibilities or face further scrutiny from Nigerians demanding accountability at every level.