- Parliament asks AGF to show spreadsheet of payments
- Wants evidence of work done before approval
- Meets set to review claims and timelines
The House of Representatives has asked the Accountant-General to submit evidence of the N2.4 trillion approved for contractor payments.
According to Eko Hot Blog, the request came after the Accountant-General’s office confirmed the approval of N2.4 trillion for contractors.
EDITOR’S PICK
- Epe LG Chair Commends Olubunmi Kuku’s Historic Achievement in ACI Africa
- LASU Bursar Honored with Southwest Leadership Award for Financial Accountability
- African Champions LASU Queens Barred from FISU Tournament
But many in the House want to verify that those payments mark legitimate work done, to avoid payment for incomplete or phantom projects.
Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, also Chairman of the Ad hoc Committee on Budget Implementation, said the House wants a detailed breakdown a spreadsheet showing which contractors, project names, MDAs, and amounts. He stressed that approval alone doesn’t prove execution.
You may recall, he pointed out, that many contractors in recent times have taken to the streets demanding payment, saying projects were completed but payments delayed, or that payments were made for non-existent or substandard works.
Kalu said the house is acting to protect both the contractors and taxpayers.
The parliament noted that out of the N2.4 trillion, only a portion has been paid, leaving significant outstanding amounts.
He asked the government to clarify how much has been disbursed, what portions remain, and a timeline for completing the rest.
He also emphasised authenticity: payments should correspond to verified, completed contract jobs. The House wants assurance there’s no double billing, padded invoices, or payments for ghost contracts.
At a meeting scheduled for October 5, as agreed, the relevant officers from the Accountant-General’s office, Ministry of Finance, and related departments will appear before the committees to present the required documents and to explain delays or discrepancies.
Stakeholders contractors, civil society, fiscal transparency advocates have welcomed the move. Many say that past delays, lack of transparency, and abandoned projects have eroded trust.
Showing the evidence, they argue, will help restore confidence.
Some analysts warn: demands for payment should come with checks. Not every approved contract is necessarily completed, and lax oversight may allow abuses. But this latest legislative push, observers believe, could strengthen accountability in contractor payments and reduce cases of payment abuses.
FURTHER READING
- ‘Engage in Bribery, Lose Your Job’ – Otti Warns Appointees
- Fubara Attends Thanksgiving Service After Reinstatement, Urges Peace
- Ooni Visits Olubadan-Designate Ladoja Ahead of Coronation
Click here to watch video of the week
