House of Reps Pledges Action on Unfunded Federal Agencies Amid Salary Delays

House of Representatives has committed to tackling the issue of federal agencies that have been left unfunded, despite receiving appropriated funds and being established by Acts of Parliament. This pledge was made by Rep. Ibrahim Isiaka, Chairman of the Special Committee on the Restructuring of Federal Agencies, Commissions, and Parastatals, during a recent briefing with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.

Many federal agencies, including the Nigeria Press Council (NPC) and various entities under the Ministry of Health, are struggling with financial shortages, leaving their employees unpaid for several months. Rep. Isiaka underscored that agencies and commissions set up by parliamentary Acts cannot be merged or modified without the consent of the National Assembly and necessary amendments to their establishing laws.

“This is the position of the law, and the only arm of government that can alter or amend the law is the parliament, even at the state level,” Rep. Isiaka affirmed.

However, he clarified that the Federal Government holds the authority to reorganize or merge departments established administratively rather than by parliamentary Acts. Such changes can proceed without involving the National Assembly.

Isiaka also addressed recent government policies on mergers and acquisitions, stressing that these should not lead to an immediate halt in salaries or funding for the affected agencies. “The pronouncement by the government should not mean that it has stopped their salaries before finalizing the policy,” he said. He urged any affected agency to present its founding Act, acknowledging the complex history of numerous agencies created through various legislative measures over time.

This move by the House of Representatives aims to ensure that federal agencies continue to operate smoothly and that their employees receive the compensation they are entitled to.