House of Reps Demands CBN Governor’s Appearance on REMITA Leakage Investigation

The House of Representatives Public Accounts Committee has issued a final summons to the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Olayemi Cardoso, to attend its session on March 5, 2024, regarding the investigation of alleged leakages associated with the REMITA e-payment solution platform.

The committee expressed its disappointment over the Governor’s absence in previous meetings, which has hindered the committee’s inquiry into the revenue leakages through the REMITA platform.

According to the committee, the Public Accounts Committee has the authority to summon individuals and obtain documents.

Failure to comply with the invitation may result in a warrant of arrest, as per legislative acts and the constitution.

The committee emphasized that all chief accounting officers must appear in person to defend their offices.

The letter, signed by the committee’s chairman, Bamidele Salam, and titled “RE: Investigation of revenue leakages through REMITA platform and non-compliance substantially with the standard operating procedure and other allied service level agreements 2023,” urged Cardoso to take advantage of the invitation and attend the hearing on March 5, 2024, at 10 am in the Meeting Room 446 of the House of Representatives’ New Building.

The committee also requested that Cardoso bring along all relevant officers familiar with the issues at stake, as they may assist in providing answers to any questions that could arise during the session.

The committee reminded Cardoso of the constitutional provisions of Sections 62 and 89(1) (a, b, c, & d) and (2) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).

This development comes as the House of Representatives continues to investigate the alleged leakages and non-compliance with the standard operating procedure and other allied service level agreements related to the REMITA e-payment platform.

The outcome of this investigation and the Governor’s appearance may have significant implications for the Central Bank of Nigeria and its future operations.