Senate Knocks Habitual Latecomers Among MDA Heads, Lauds Security Chiefs

The Senate of Nigeria has criticised heads of federal Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) for repeatedly arriving late to committee engagements, warning that such conduct will no longer be tolerated during crucial legislative exercises.

The warning was issued on Wednesday by the Senate Committee on National Security and Intelligence during a budget defence session with top security officials, including the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, and leadership of the Department of State Services.

Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, representing Abia North, faulted what he described as the persistent lateness of several agency heads, stressing that the Senate would no longer condone the practice, particularly during the budget season which requires strict adherence to schedules.

He commended heads of national security and intelligence agencies for arriving ahead of the 11:00 a.m. start time, contrasting their punctuality with that of other government officials.

“We are happy that the various heads of National Security and Intelligence agencies arrived before 11:00 a.m. fixed for commencement of the interface. However, it is not so with many other heads of agencies,” he said.

Kalu added that some of the worst offenders were officials who previously served in the National Assembly of Nigeria but now hold executive positions, describing the trend as unacceptable. He also dismissed claims by habitual latecomers that presidential engagements caused delays, insisting such excuses would no longer be entertained.

Backing the position, committee chairman Senator Yahaya Abdullahi, who represents Kebbi North, said the warning should serve as a wake-up call to affected officials to take legislative invitations more seriously.

The committee’s stance signals a renewed push by lawmakers to enforce discipline and punctuality as oversight activities intensify.