Reps Threaten Sanctions, Order Suspension of NRS Recruitment Over Chairman’s Absence
By Nafiu Muhammad Lema
The House of Representatives Committee on Federal Character has threatened to invoke constitutional powers against the Executive Chairman of the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS), Dr. Zacch Adedeji, over his repeated failure to honour invitations from the National Assembly.
The committee also directed the immediate suspension of the ongoing recruitment exercise by the NRS pending the appearance of the agency’s leadership before lawmakers.
At a meeting held on Wednesday in Abuja, the committee, chaired by Rep. Ahmed Idris Wase (APC, Plateau), condemned what it described as the persistent disregard for the National Assembly’s constitutional oversight role by the NRS chairman.
According to the committee, it had written to Dr. Adedeji on July 15, 2026, requesting a comprehensive and updated nominal roll of the agency’s staff and inviting him to appear before the committee. However, he failed to attend the meeting despite receiving the invitation.
Lawmakers noted that the latest invitation followed at least seven previous letters sent to the NRS, all of which were acknowledged but allegedly ignored.
The committee said the investigation was aimed at addressing concerns surrounding recruitment practices within the revenue agency, including waivers reportedly granted by the Federal Character Commission (FCC).
The FCC Chairman, Hulayat Motunrayo Omidiran, was also absent from the meeting, citing official travel and illness as reasons for her inability to attend.
However, the committee expressed dissatisfaction with her repeated absence, saying it reflected a pattern of non-compliance with legislative invitations.
As a result, lawmakers directed the Federal Character Commission to suspend all recruitment activities being conducted by the Nigeria Revenue Service until both agencies appear before the committee and provide explanations regarding the recruitment process.
Rep. Wase warned that the House would not tolerate any attempt by public institutions to ignore constitutional directives, stressing that the committee was prepared to invoke Sections 88 and 89 of the 1999 Constitution to compel compliance where necessary.
He reaffirmed the committee’s commitment to protecting the integrity of the National Assembly’s oversight responsibilities and ensuring that all government agencies remain accountable to the Nigerian people.
