Center urges National Assembly to conclude abandoned legislative probes, disclose findings

The Center for Fiscal Transparency and Public Integrity (CFTPI) has renewed its call on the National Assembly to address the alarming number of abandoned grand corruption-related probes initiated since Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999. Through its Probes Monitor Portal, the Center has documented 377 legislative investigations instituted by both chambers of the National Assembly […]

The Center for Fiscal Transparency and Public Integrity (CFTPI) has renewed its call on the National Assembly to address the alarming number of abandoned grand corruption-related probes initiated since Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999.

Through its Probes Monitor Portal, the Center has documented 377 legislative investigations instituted by both chambers of the National Assembly that remain inconclusive or unpublished.

The Portal, which it described as an initiative aimed at strengthening transparency and oversight in public service, reveals a troubling pattern where probes, set up ostensibly to hold public officials accountable, are left hanging without resolution or public disclosure.

In a press release, CFTPI’s Head of Public Relations, Victor Agi, declared that the situation does not only undermine the integrity of the legislative process but also weakens public confidence in Nigeria’s anti-corruption efforts.

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The spokesperson said the Center formally wrote to the National Assembly and key Senate and House committees urging the resuscitation and conclusion of probes, as well as the publication of findings. The letters have not been responded to, according to Agi.

CFTPI expressed concern that the legislature, which should promote openness and integrity, is allowing critical investigations to fade into obscurity, amid growing public concerns that some probes are deliberately halted due to alleged inducements from affected heads of agencies or ministries.

In light of the inaction, the Center is now seeking strategic partnerships with media organizations to amplify public discourse on abandoned probes and press for their conclusion.

“The media, as a vital pillar of democracy, has a critical role to play in exposing inefficiencies and demanding accountability from elected representatives,” Agi emphasized.

Urging members of the National Assembly to publish the outcomes of all concluded investigations and update the public on the status of ongoing or stalled probes, CFTPI said the lawmakers, being public servants, owe Nigerians full transparency in their oversight responsibilities.

“The Probes Monitor Portal, accessible at *fiscaltransparency dot org* website, remains an open source for journalists, civil society organizations, and citizens to track the status of legislative probes and advocate for reform.

“We call on all actors to join us in ensuring that legislative investigations serve their purpose of uncovering wrongdoing, recommend corrective actions, and reinforce public accountability,” Agi noted.