Nigeria House of Representatives probes N802bn in audit breaches

The Nigerian House of Representatives Public Accounts Committee has launched investigations into several government agencies following audit reports from the Auditor-General for the Federation.

The Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) has been issued a seven-day ultimatum to appear before lawmakers to explain alleged mismanagement of over 400 billion naira intended for the Ogoni cleanup. Audit queries include failure to submit accounts between 2017 and 2021, irregular contract awards, non-deduction of statutory taxes, and payments for consultancy services without evidence of execution. The committee, chaired by Bamidele Salam, warned it would use constitutional powers to compel the agency’s accounting officer to appear if the deadline is missed.

Additionally, the committee is set to question officials from the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) regarding alleged financial breaches totaling more than 802.19 billion naira. These queries involve procurement procedures, revenue management, and compliance with financial regulations for the 2021 through 2023 financial years.

In a separate matter, the committee ordered the Federal College of Education, Okene, to refund 305.47 million naira to the federal government due to audit infractions involving procurement and contract payments.