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Senate Threatens INEC, State House, Presidential Fleet, NDA, Others with Zero Budget Allocations
….Kicks Against CBN’s N100,000 Weekly Withdrawal Policy
By Lateef Taiwo
The Senate yesterday threatened about 100 federal government owned agencies with zero budget allocations in 2023 for not honouring invitations of its Committee on Public Accounts on queries slammed them by the Office of the Auditor General of the Federation .
This however is at it also kicked against plans by the Central Bank of Nigeria to limit cash withdrawal by any individual to N100,000 and Corporate bodies to N500,000 per week, from January 9, 2023.
The Senate hammer that affected the over 100 agencies including the State House , Presidential Fleet , Ministry of Finance , Nigeria Army , Navy, Airforce , Police , the Independent National Electoral Commission ( INEC ) etc was sequel to a complaint lodged against them by the Chairman , Senate Committee on Public Accounts, Mathew Urhoghide ( PDP Edo South) .
Senator Urhoghide had, through orders 42 and 95 of the Senate Standing Rules , rose to complain on alleged recalcitrance of heads of the affected agencies to honour invitations sent to them by his Committee for required appearance before queries were raised against them by the Office of the Auditor General of the Federation, as regards financial infractions observed in their yearly budgetary implementations .
Urhoghide who hinged his complaints on the provisions of sections 62, 88 and 89 of the 1999 Constitution ( as amended) , said the heads of the affected agencies failed to honour several invitations sent to them to answer queries raised against them in Audit reports forwarded to the Committee by the Auditor General of the Federation.
” Mr President , heads of agencies totalling about 100 , indicted in various audit reports forwarded to the Public Account Committee by Office of Auditor General of the Federation in line with provisions of sections 62, 88 and 89 of the 1999 Constitution, have repeatedly failed to appear before us.
” This to us , is against the Constitution and policy of accountability and transparency of the federal government .
“I crave your indulgence that we invite through your order either by way of warrant of arrest or anything so that these agencies can comes that we can complete our report and submit to this Senate “, he said .
Miffed by the submission , the President of the Senate , Ahmad Lawan, requested for the list of the affected agencies, read them out to all Senators and ordered that they should appear before the committee within one week or risk zero budget allocation in 2023 as far as capital expenditure component is concerned .
“Your point of order are sustained fully and completely, totally sustained, you are right on the dot to bring to the plenary your grievances .
“Reading this list at plenary , gives the agencies opportunity to now know if they were not aware before for those that may claim ignorance and I am taking the opportunity here to advise that in the next one week if the name of any agency is here that agency should reach the committee on public account of the Senate to sort our when the agency would appear before the committee.
“If there is no communication whatsoever and no cogent and verifiable reason are given , we will Slash the budget of the agencies as far as capital component is concerned .
” Heads of the affected agencies must take this very seriously because any serving public officer must be ready to render accounts on public funds and if not ready to do so, should quit , since nobody should be above the law “, he thundered .
Other affected agencies aside ones earlier mentioned are ÷ Office Of The Accountant General Of The Federation, Federal Ministry Of Interior , Budget Office Of The Federation , Nigeria Bulk Electricity Trading Plc , Ministry Of Foreign Affairs , National Emergency Management Agency , National Commission For Refugees, Migrants And Internally Displaced Persons , Nigeria Security And Civil Defence Corp , Ministry
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Nigeria’s Historic Bid for the 2030 Commonwealth Games: A Call for National and Global Support
Joel Ajayi
Nigeria is poised to make history as it seeks to host the Centenary Commonwealth Games in 2030, a monumental opportunity that promises to transform the nation’s economy, infrastructure, and global standing.
More than a sporting spectacle, the Games would serve as a catalyst for development across multiple sectors, leaving behind a legacy of national pride and sustainable growth.
The benefits of hosting the Games extend far beyond the sports arena. Nigeria stands to gain both empirical and non-empirical advantages, with direct, indirect, and induced impacts that will touch every corner of society. Infrastructural development will take center stage, with new facilities such as indoor sports halls, conference centers, and improved road networks reshaping urban landscapes while strengthening the nation’s capacity to host future international events.
Economic growth is another significant dividend. Over 10,000 jobs are expected to be created, spanning construction, facility management, event planning, and tourism services.
The hospitality industry will undergo major improvements as hotels and resorts are upgraded to meet international standards, while local restaurants, lounges, and tourist attractions will see a surge in patronage from international visitors. Small and medium enterprises, particularly in the transport, finance, and food service sectors, will become some of the greatest beneficiaries, as the Games generate new demand and expand opportunities for local businesses.
The Commonwealth Games will also accelerate the growth of Nigeria’s sports industry.
Investments in training facilities, coaching, and talent development will inspire a new generation of athletes, ensuring long-term benefits that extend beyond 2030, a major focus of the President Bola Tinubu administration.
At the same time, the process of preparing for the Games will create opportunities for Nigerians to learn new crafts, acquire technical skills, and engage in global-standard event management, thereby strengthening human capacity and innovation across industries.
Mallam Shehu Dikko, Chairman of the Nigeria Sports Commission, and Hon. Bukola Olopade, the Director General, have been widely recognized for their tireless and visionary leadership in repositioning Nigeria’s sporting sector.
Their commitment to facilitating infrastructural development and strengthening grassroots sports development has laid the foundation for Nigeria’s bold bid to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games. Under their leadership, the NSC is fostering strategic partnerships and driving innovation in sports administration, they have demonstrated the nation’s readiness to stage an event of such global magnitude.
Beyond the tangible gains, the hosting of the 2030 Commonwealth Games carries profound symbolic value. It would be a moment of unity and pride, a chance for Nigeria to showcase its cultural richness, resilience, and excellence to the world.
As a centenary edition, the Games would stand as a historic milestone not just for the Commonwealth but for Nigeria itself, cementing its place on the global stage as a capable, ambitious, and forward-looking nation.
The gains from hosting the Commonwealth Games can never be undermined or overemphasized. This is Nigeria’s time to step forward and show the world our resilience, and excellence. We call on every Nigerian, across sectors and communities, to support this noble aspiration.
Nigeria’s pursuit of the 2030 Commonwealth Games is a vision for transformation, a blueprint for national development, and a legacy project that will inspire generations to come.
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