The Nigerian Senate on Wednesday reprimanded heads of federal Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) for habitual late arrival at budget defence sessions, warning that such behaviour would no longer be tolerated.
The rebuke came during the 2026 budget defence of security agencies before the Senate Committee on National Security and Intelligence.
Lawmakers contrasted the punctuality of security chiefs, who arrived before the 11:00 a.m. commencement time, with the habitual lateness of other agency heads.
Senator Orji Uzor Kalu (Abia North) expressed displeasure over the trend, particularly targeting former senators and National Assembly members now heading executive agencies.
“The perpetual latecomers are always fond of lying that they came late because of presidential engagements at the Villa, which to us here are lies,” he said.
Kalu added that such behaviour undermines accountability and transparency in the budget process.
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Chairman of the Committee, Senator Yahaya Abdullahi (Kebbi North), stressed that budget defence sessions are critical engagements where lawmakers examine revenue projections, expenditure frameworks, and agency performance before approving public funds. He described the warning as a wake-up call for erring agency heads.
The Senate has intensified oversight of MDAs in recent years, frequently raising concerns over delayed project execution, poor fund releases, and weak accountability mechanisms.
Lawmakers emphasised that punctuality and preparedness reflect an agency’s commitment to fiscal discipline and public service delivery.
Following the admonition, the committee proceeded with deliberations on security agencies’ budget proposals, with senators affirming that compliance and timeliness would henceforth be treated as legislative priorities.