Kogi Assembly Pushes for Enhanced MDA Accountability in Contract Handling
The Kogi State House of Assembly has called upon the state government to instruct Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to independently initiate contracts, handle supplies, raise vouchers, and process payments. This resolution, adopted by members of the State Assembly on Wednesday, aims to enhance the accountability of MDAs in reporting on contract payments.
According to the report presented by Chairman of the Committee and Okehi State Constituency representative, Otokiti Alhassan Zakariya, MDAs with discrepancies in contract figures are urged to reconcile with the Office of the Accountant General. Furthermore, contractors who have received full payments are directed to promptly return to project sites for contract completion, under the monitoring of the Public Accounts Committee.
“A resolution of the House be made urging the Office of the Accountant General to always reconcile its figures with the various MDAs to take care of the incessant figure discrepancies with the Office.
“The House do direct the Public Accounts Committee to ensure that the Ministry of Health paid the two contractors their outstanding balance domiciled in the Office account. The Committee is fully satisfied with the Kogi State Bureau of Public Procurement towards ensuring that the MDA’‘s complied with the provision of the procurement law, 2020 and value for money achieved in all the services rendered for the wellbeing of the citizens”.
“I hope that this Report will justify the expectation of the House and will carefully implement the sanctions recommended therein. It is our submission that the Resolutions of the House based on this report would attract the needed diligence in handling financial matters and compliance with financial rules and regulations” Hon. Zakariya added.
Additionally, the House mandated the Public Accounts Committee to summon the Management of the Local Government Service Commission to explain their non-appearance before the Committee. Furthermore, the Speaker of the House, Umar Yusuf, emphasized that no MDA should jeopardize Kogi State’s interests, reinforcing the Assembly’s commitment to ensuring accountability and optimal utilization of state resources.
