House of Representatives Committee Orders Federal Fire Service to Return N1.4 Billion COVID-19 Funds

The House of Representatives Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has directed the Federal Fire Service to refund N1.4 billion, which was disbursed to the agency as COVID-19 intervention funds. The committee, chaired by Bamidele Salam, issued this order after the Fire Service failed to appear before the committee despite three consecutive invitations to account for the funds.

Chairman Salam instructed the agency’s accounting officer to return the funds to the federal government within seven days and provide evidence of compliance to the committee. Failure to do so may lead to potential sanctions in accordance with constitutional and Public Service Rule provisions.

Additionally, the committee has summoned other agencies that received COVID-19 intervention funds to attend the next session with relevant documents to address queries about the funds’ utilization. These agencies include the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Accountant General of the Federation Office, Ministry of Health, and Women Affairs Ministry.

The PAC’s action underscores the importance of accountability and transparency in the management of public funds, especially in the context of emergency interventions such as the COVID-19 pandemic. The committee’s insistence on proper accountability measures reflects its commitment to ensuring that public funds are used judiciously and for their intended purposes.

The directive to return the funds within seven days serves as a reminder to government agencies of their responsibility to prudently manage public resources, particularly during times of crisis. It also highlights the oversight role of parliamentary committees in overseeing government expenditure and holding public officials accountable for their actions.

Politics Nigeria