A heated session erupted in the House of Representatives on Wednesday as lawmakers clashed over a motion probing the alleged non-remittance of more than ₦16.3 trillion linked to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) between 2016 and 2022. The motion, sponsored by Hon. Bamidele Salam, Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), drew from findings …
Reps in Rowdy Session Over Probe of Alleged ₦16.3tn CBN Non-Remittance
A heated session erupted in the House of Representatives on Wednesday as lawmakers clashed over a motion probing the alleged non-remittance of more than ₦16.3 trillion linked to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) between 2016 and 2022.
The motion, sponsored by Hon. Bamidele Salam, Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), drew from findings in the Auditor-General’s 2022 report and ongoing investigations into government revenues collected through the Remita platform.
PAC Flags Multi-Trillion Naira Irregularities
According to Salam, the CBN has an outstanding liability of ₦5.2 trillion in unremitted operating surpluses.
Other discrepancies highlighted include ₦954.3 million in Remita charges allegedly not refunded, an ₦11.09 billion variation between CBN figures and PAC computations, and ₦3.28 billion due for refund when interest at the Monetary Policy Rate of 27.25% is applied.
PAC also noted a total variance of ₦19.8 billion in the bank’s submissions.
Amendment Sparks Uproar
Tension rose when Rep. Ghali Mustapha Tijanni proposed that an ad-hoc committee, rather than PAC, take over the investigation.
His amendment triggered protests from several lawmakers, who insisted that PAC retain jurisdiction. The chamber quickly descended into a shouting match as Speaker Abbas Tajudeen struggled to restore order.
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Another amendment by Hon. Ahmed Jaha, calling for the CBN Governor and relevant agencies to appear before PAC, further intensified the uproar, with some lawmakers attempting to shout it down.
Visibly displeased, the Speaker reprimanded members for “embarrassing the institution” and warned that disorderly lawmakers risked being referred to the Ethics Committee.
House Summons CBN Governor
After calm was restored, the House adopted Jaha’s amendment following a voice vote. The CBN Governor and officials overseeing Remita revenue administration are now mandated to appear before the committee.
The Public Accounts Committee has been directed to investigate alleged non-remittances and revenue discrepancies from 2015 to 2022 as well as ensure compliance with the Fiscal Responsibility Act, the CBN Act, and other financial regulations.
The committee’s investigation is expected to commence immediately.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.
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