The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, has warned ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) of government against noncompliance to resolutions of the National Assembly.

Speaking during the 2nd National Workshop organised by the Senate Committee on Legislative Compliance in Abuja on Tuesday, he remarked that compliance with legislative resolutions by Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) of government is not optional but binding.

Represented by Sen Osita Ngwu, the Minority Whip of the Senate, he stressed that national Assembly laws, policies, and oversight functions are meant to guide the execution of government programmes in a manner that ensures transparency, equity, and effectiveness.

The Senate President noted that when departments and agencies fail to comply with legislative directives, they undermine not just the authority of the legislature but the collective will of the Nigerian people represented by the national Assembly.

Warning against such development which could result in a breakdown in trust, he added that the consequences would also include a rise in inefficiency and, ultimately, a disservice to the Nigerian people.

According to him, “Legislative compliance is not a hindrance to effective executive performance. It is a safeguard against abuse.

“As the President of the Senate, I give you full assurance that the National Assembly remains unwavering in its resolve to ensure
that its resolutions are not only respected but also implemented.

“Where necessary, we shall employ the full weight of our constitutional powers to ensure and enforce compliance. The days of impunity must give way to the reign of institutional discipline. However, enforcement must be accompanied by engagement.

“We are not here to issue threats; we are here to build consensus. We are not here to antagonise agencies. We are here to strengthen institutions. We are not here to point fingers; we are here to point the way forward.”

Speaking at the event, Sen Ede Dafinone, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Legislative Compliance, said in recent times, there were several instances where MDAs and public institutions have either delayed or outrightly disregarded legislative resolutions passed by the Senate.

These actions, according to him, not only undermine the authority of the legislature but also weaken the very foundation of our democratic institutions.

He said the workshop was aimed at providing a platform for stakeholders to critically examine the root causes of non-compliance.

According to him, they include legal ambiguity, institutional rivalry, capacity gaps, and bureaucratic inertia. He noted that the goal was to develop practical and enforceable solutions.

Dafinone urged MDAs to collectively work towards bridging the gap between legislation and execution for good governance, institutional effectiveness, and the benefit of the Nigerian people.

Francis Usani, Director of Fraud Risk Assessment, Prevention, and Control, who represented the Chairman of the EFCC, Mr Ola Olukoyede, commended the initiators of the workshop.

According to him, “This workshop couldn’t have come at a better time—when we are witnessing increased instances of laws, policies, rules, and regulations being observed more in the breach than in compliance.”

He emphasised that the legislature, by constitutional provision, is saddled with the responsibility of making laws for good
governance and democracy.

He added that democracy can only be sustained where laws are made and obeyed.

“Compliance with resolutions made by the legislature is therefore critical to the sustenance of institutions. It is widely said that where there are no laws, there will be anarchy,” he said.

“And where laws are made but not complied with or implemented, there will also be anarchy.”

He stressed that “compliance with resolutions, laws, and policies made by the National Assembly is crucial to our collective existence as a people.”

He said the workshop was essential for Nigeria’s continued unity and democratic strength, expressing hope that it would enhance the compliance culture of MDAs with legislative resolutions.