The House of Representatives has mandated its Committee on Basic Education Examination Bodies to investigate the National Examinations Council (NECO) over alleged unauthorized virement and the implementation of its budget from 2023 to 2025.

The motion, sponsored by Hon. Amobi Godwin Ogah, during Thursday’s plenary, cited Sections 88 and 89 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which empower the National Assembly and its committees to summon documents and request accountability from government agencies and parastatals.

Presenting the motion, he said NECO, which generates internally generated revenue (IGR) for the federation, is expected to be accountable to Nigerians.

Ogah argued 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.

After the presentation, the House mandated the Committee on Basic Education Examination Bodies to investigate the alleged virement implementation of 2025 by NECO.

It also directed the committee to probe the budget/IGR performance implementation for 2023 to date by NECO, and NECO’s bank statements of account from 2023 till date and report back to the House within three weeks. (The Guardian)