The House of Representatives has directed its Committee on Basic Education Examination Bodies to investigate the National Examinations Council (NECO) over alleged unauthorized virements and the implementation of its budget from 2023 to 2025.
The decision followed a motion sponsored by Hon. Amobi Godwin Ogah during Thursday’s plenary session. Ogah cited Sections 88 and 89 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which empower the National Assembly and its committees to summon documents and demand accountability from government agencies.
Presenting the motion, Ogah said NECO, as a revenue-generating agency, must be accountable to Nigerians in its use of internally generated revenue (IGR) and budget implementation.
He noted that to carry out effective oversight, the National Assembly must have access to NECO’s budget performance, IGR records, and implementation details from 2023 to date, including its bank statements and evidence of remittances to the federation account.
Ogah expressed concern that NECO may have implemented virements without legislative approval, describing it as a violation of constitutional provisions.
After deliberation, the House mandated its Committee on Basic Education Examination Bodies to investigate the alleged unauthorized virements for 2025, review NECO’s budget and IGR performance from 2023 to date, and examine the agency’s bank statements and remittances within the same period.
The committee is expected to report back to the House within three weeks.
