NECO is to be investigated by the House of Representatives over alleged illegal virements, budget implementation, and mismanagement of internally generated revenue (IGR) between 2023 and 2025
The House of Representatives has mandated its committee on Basic Education and Examination Bodies to investigate the National Examination Council (NECO) over alleged unauthorised virements, budget implementation, and management of internally generated revenue (IGR) between 2023 and 2025.
The resolution followed the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance moved by Rep. Amobi Godwin Ogah (LP Abia), during plenary on Thursday.
Presenting the motion, Rep. Ogah said the investigation became necessary to ensure transparency and accountability in the financial operations of NECO, which generates revenue on behalf of the federation.
He cited Sections 88 and 89 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which empower the National Assembly or its committees to summon individuals or request documents from government agencies for oversight purposes.
The lawmaker expressed concern that NECO, as a revenue-generating agency, has a constitutional obligation to render accurate accounts of its finances to Nigerians.
“It has come to our attention that NECO may have been implementing virements without the necessary legislative approval. If this is the case, it constitutes a flagrant violation of the Constitution and undermines the oversight powers of this Honourable House,” Ogah stated.
He stressed the importance of granting the Committee on Basic Education access to NECO’s budget and IGR performance records, as well as its bank statements and evidence of remittances to the Federation Account from 2023 to date.
ALSO READ: Reps queries NECO for spending IGR, steps down budget defenceÂ
Adopting the motion, the House directed the Committee on Basic Education and Examination Bodies to conduct a comprehensive investigation into NECO’s financial activities within the specified period and report back within three weeks for further legislative action.
