The House of Representatives is to investigate allegations of fraudulent practices in the payment of contractors by officials of the Federal Ministries of Finance and the Office of the Accountant-General.

Adopting a motion on notice sponsored by Paul Nnamchi (LP, Enugu), Julius Ihonvbere (APC, Edo), and Aminu Sani Jaji (APC, Zamfara) the House asked the Federal Government to strengthen internal controls mechanism and enforce strict penalties for officials found culpable in corrupt practices within the payment system.

The House also asked the government to immediately establish a transparent and accountable digital payment system to eliminate discretionary human interference in contract payments and ensure timely disbursement and compliance with due process.

Leading a debate on the motion at the plenary on Thursday, the House Leader stressed the fact that the 1999 Constitution (as amended) mandates transparency, accountability, and prudent management of public funds as fundamental principles of governance.

According to him, Section 15(5) of the Constitution provides that ?the State shall abolish all corrupt practices and abuse of power,? which underscores the government?s obligation to prevent, investigate, and punish malfeasance practices, particularly in public finance management.

He said there are reports of contractors being coerced into offering kickbacks or facing unjustified deductions from their payments as a condition for processing their invoices by officials of the Federal Ministry of Finance.

He argued that corrupt practices in contractor payments lead to the abandonment of critical infrastructure projects, loss of jobs, and economic hardship, contrary to the objectives of the present administration?s economic recovery efforts.

Ihonvbere said the unrestrained continuation of these corrupt practices discourages credible investors and undermines faith in the government?s ability to uphold transparency and accountability.

He stressed that If these allegations are not thoroughly investigated and addressed, contractors will lose confidence in government engagements, leading to slowed economic development and failed infrastructure projects nationwide.

He said the situation demands an urgent and decisive response in line with Section 88(1) and (2) which empowers the National Assembly to investigate any matter related to the administration of laws within its legislative competence; the conduct of any official or department responsible for public revenue and expenditure. (The Nation)

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