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The House of Representatives Committee on Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Councils and Ancillary Matters has issued a formal summons to the Minister of State for the FCT, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud Bunkure, along with the heads of eleven agencies operating under her supervision.
The summon compels them to appear before the committee on Tuesday, following their failure to attend the 2025 budget defence session held on Monday.
The development occurred during a sitting of the committee at the National Assembly complex in Abuja. The Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Fredrick Agbedi (PDP, Bayelsa), expressed strong dissatisfaction with the minister and the agencies’ nonappearance, describing it as a breach of protocol and a disregard for the legislative oversight process. He emphasized that the parliament would not hesitate to invoke its constitutional powers against the minister if she fails to honour the rescheduled appearance.
Agbedi noted that the committee had issued formal invitations well in advance to the minister and the relevant agencies, informing them of the Monday budget defence session. Their absence, according to him, undermines the critical process of reviewing and approving budget proposals for the upcoming fiscal year.
The committee chairman further reminded attendees that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had recently called on both the executive and legislative arms to expedite the 2025 budget process. Agbedi stressed that the president’s directive was meant to ensure timely appropriation and implementation of developmental projects, particularly in the Federal Capital Territory. He, therefore, expressed concern that the continued absence of key stakeholders could hamper this objective.
“This committee will not condone disregard for the legislative process. The minister and the agencies were duly informed. We consider their absence as a serious affront to the constitutional role of this parliament,” Hon. Agbedi said. “Should the minister fail to appear as scheduled on Tuesday, we will not hesitate to explore all legislative measures, including the invocation of sanctions provided under our rules.”
The 11 affected agencies are believed to be crucial to the implementation of various infrastructural and administrative projects within the FCT, and their input is considered vital in ensuring a comprehensive assessment of the 2025 budget proposal.
The summoned officials are now expected to present their budget proposals, defend their allocations, and provide clarity on how government funds are to be utilized in the coming fiscal year, in line with accountability and transparency mandates.
The House committee’s decision underscores the growing emphasis on fiscal discipline and effective governance as the National Assembly continues its scrutiny of the 2025 appropriation bill.