The Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammadu Dingyadi, has been summoned by the House of Representatives Committee on Public Petitions due to his failure to inaugurate the board of the Nigerian Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF), despite several months passing since the appointment of the Managing Director.
This action was announced in a statement by the Senior Legislative Assistant to the Speaker, Chooks Oko, on Tuesday.
Petition Against Minister for Delayed Action
The Obasi-Pherson Help Foundation, a non-governmental organization, filed a formal complaint, highlighting that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had already appointed the Managing Director of the NSITF, but the board remained unconstituted. The NGO criticized this delay, describing it as a "huge aberration" that had led to illegalities within the agency.
"The absence of the board is giving way to a wide range of illegalities in the running of the affairs of the agency," the petition stated.
Committee Chairman Demands Accountability
Responding to the petition, Committee Chairman Mike Etaba emphasized the importance of accountability and insisted that the Minister of Labour must appear in person to address the matter.
"The government is being indicted, so it is only logical that the Minister clears the air on the matter," Etaba said.
Managing Director of NSITF Also Summoned
In addition to the Minister, the committee also invited the Managing Director of NSITF, Faleye Mayomi, to explain concerns raised by another petition from the Advancement of Social Justice and Economic Development Initiative (ASJEDI). The petitioners accused the agency of violating its projects clearance regulations and demanded an explanation for actions that allegedly contradict its mandate.
"Ours is to serve Nigerians efficiently and ensure the right thing is done, always. Inviting the CEO is for him to throw more light on the issues at hand," Etaba added.
Next Steps
As the House Committee moves forward with these hearings, both the Minister and the NSITF Managing Director will be expected to provide clarity on the governance of the agency and resolve the concerns raised by petitioners. This move underscores the commitment of the House of Representatives to ensure transparency in the management of public institutions.
