Reps Probe NECO Over Alleged Illegal Virement and Unremitted IGRs

By Christiana Ekpa

The House of Representatives on Thursday ordered an investigation into the National Examination Council (NECO) over alleged unauthorized virements and questionable handling of its Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) from 2023 to 2025.

The resolution followed a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by Hon. Amobi Godwin Ogah, who expressed concern that NECO may have implemented virements without legislative approval — a violation of constitutional provisions.

Citing Sections 88 and 89 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), Hon. Ogah stressed that the National Assembly and its committees have the power to summon documents from any government agency. He noted that as a revenue-generating body, NECO must be transparent and accountable in its financial dealings.

The House therefore mandated its Committee on Basic Education Examination Bodies to investigate NECO’s budget and IGR performance from 2023 to date, including its bank statements and evidence of remittances to the federation account, and report back within three weeks.

The lawmaker further added, “also note that NECO as an agency of government generates IGR for the federation, it therefore behoves on it to be accountable to Nigerians.

“Aware that in carrying out its mandate effectively the National Assembly or the relevant committee must have access to the NECO’s budget/IGR performance and implementation from 2023 to date. It must also peruse NECO’s bank statements of account from 2023 to date NECO must also provide evidence of remittance to the federation account for the same period (2023- to date).

“Worried that NECO is allegedly implementing its virement without the required legislative approval. If this is so, it is a flagrant violation of our constitution and inherent powers of this Honourable House as enshrined in it” He said.