The Nigerian Senate has voiced strong disapproval regarding the failure of various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to carry out its legislative resolutions. Warning that future non-compliance will trigger budgetary penalties, the upper chamber emphasized that this trend undermines its oversight powers.
This stance was solidified on Wednesday following a report from the Senate Committee on Legislative Compliance, which reviewed the status of resolutions from July 2023 to December 2025. Senator Musa Maidoki Garba, who leads the committee, reported that numerous resolutions remain unaddressed despite consistent reminders. He attributed these delays partly to the Executive branch’s sole authority in directing implementation and a lack of specific funding for mandates like road repairs or disaster relief.
The report highlighted several specific instances of non-compliance. Notably, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has yet to provide medical funding for Eromonsele Omhonria, a child struck by a stray bullet during an operation in Asaba. Additionally, the Nigerian Railway Corporation has refused to reinstate Engr. Paddy Ukpe as directed by the Senate.
Senator Garba also noted that some challenges stem from lawmakers sponsoring motions without sufficient investigation, or assigning tasks to agencies lacking the legal authority to execute them. Senate President Godswill Akpabio received the report and encouraged senators to review the suggested sanctions. The Senate subsequently adopted the report via a voice vote, signaling a shift toward stricter accountability for federal bodies.
