The National Assembly has said it will continue to perform its oversight functions on the National Social Investment Programme Agency, NSIPA, despite the plan to move the establishment to the Presidency.
The Chairman, Senate Committee on Special Duties, Senator Shehu Kaka Lawn (APC, Borno Central), said this on Thursday after a bill seeking to amend the NSIPA Act, 2023, to transfer the agency “under the direct supervision of the President” passed second reading.
The NSIPA is presently under the supervision of the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation.
Speaking with journalists at the National Assembly, Lawan said the National Assembly will be thorough in discharging its oversight functions on the agency even if it is under the supervision of the President.
He said: “If you look at the Order 96 of the Senate Rule, the jurisdiction of the Senate Special Duties Committees is clearly stated there, and the first is to oversight the Office of the President and the Presidency.
“So transferring the agency to the Office of the President is still under the purview of the Special Duties. We will oversight the agency even if it is domiciled in the Villa.
“We are going to carry out our oversight function thoroughly. We will not leave any stone unturned. We will ensure that the change mantra of the President is achieved.
“All hands must be on deck to ensure that we achieve the desired results based on our committee.”
On the suspension of the N-power programme which has rendered many Nigerians jobless, the lawmaker said the Senate was yet to receive a report on the development.
“We will look at the enabling Act, and the bill we are presently working on now. Were the suspension is not in the best interest of Nigeria and Nigerians, we will bring it back.
“If there is the need for investigation, we will do it. Order 96 (55) stated clearly that the first place of oversight is the President and others.
“Bringing the Social Investment Programme to the Office of the President will not stop us from carrying out our oversight function. We will still oversee the Social Investment Programme.
“The bill that was laid before the National Assembly, no clause gave anyone power, not even the President,” he stressed.