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The House of Representatives has mandated its Committee on Basic Education and Examination Bodies to investigate the budget implementation, internally generated revenue (IGR), and virement activities of the National Examination Council (NECO) from 2023 to 2025.
The resolution followed the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by Hon. Amobi Godwin Ogah, during plenary on Thursday.
Hon. Ogah noted that pursuant to Sections 88 and 89 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the National Assembly and its committees have constitutional powers to summon any government ministry, department, or agency to provide documents and information relating to their operations.
He further stated that as a revenue-generating agency, NECO is required to remain transparent and accountable in its financial dealings and to remit all generated revenues to the Federation Account.
The lawmaker expressed concern over reports that NECO may have been implementing virements budget reallocations without legislative approval, describing such action as a potential violation of the constitution and the oversight powers of the House.
Adopting the motion, the House resolved to direct the Committee on Basic Education and Examination Bodies to conduct a thorough investigation into NECO’s budget and IGR performance from 2023 to date, its bank statements, and alleged virement implementation for 2025. The committee is expected to report back to the House within three weeks.
