Reps Order NRS to Suspend Recruitment, Threaten Constitutional Action Against Adedeji

The House of Representatives Committee on Federal Character has ordered the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) to immediately suspend all recruitment exercises, accusing its Executive Chairman, Dr Zacch Adedeji, of repeatedly disregarding the authority of the National Assembly.

The committee also warned that it would invoke Sections 88 and 89 of the 1999 Constitution if Adedeji continued to ignore its invitations and directives.

While Section 88 empowers the National Assembly to investigate issues relating to corruption, inefficiency and waste in government institutions, Section 89 grants lawmakers powers to summon witnesses, compel testimony and issue warrants where necessary.

Chairman of the committee, Hon. Ahmed Idris Wase, issued the directive on Wednesday during a meeting at the National Assembly in Abuja, saying the action followed Adedeji’s repeated failure to appear before the panel.

According to the committee, a letter dated July 15, 2026, titled “Request for Nominal Roll/Invitation to Meeting,” asked the NRS chairman to submit an updated nominal roll of the service and appear before lawmakers. However, he failed to attend.

The committee said the latest invitation was the eighth in a series of requests sent to the NRS leadership, with previous letters dated October 13, 2023; November 7, 2023; March 14, 2024; July 3, 2024; July 16, 2024; and April 1, 2026.

Lawmakers accused the NRS boss of acknowledging the letters but failing to provide the required responses or honour the invitations.

Recruitment waiver controversy

The dispute is also linked to recruitment waivers reportedly issued by the Federal Character Commission (FCC) to the NRS.

The committee recalled that it had earlier directed the FCC not to grant any approvals or waivers for recruitment by the revenue service pending its investigation.

The FCC Chairman, Hon. Hulayat Motunrayo Omidiran, was absent from Wednesday’s meeting, citing official travel and health reasons. However, the committee described her repeated failure to appear before it as unacceptable for a public office holder.

The lawmakers accused the FCC of undermining the oversight role of the National Assembly by approving recruitment waivers despite the committee’s directive.

Consequently, the committee directed the FCC to suspend all recruitment activities being carried out by the NRS until the agency’s leadership appears before the panel and provides explanations.

‘No agency is above the Constitution’

Wase said the National Assembly’s oversight powers were constitutional responsibilities that must be respected by all government institutions.

“The National Assembly is the voice of the Nigerian people. Its constitutional oversight powers are not symbolic. They are binding instruments of accountability. No agency, commission, or public official is above the Constitution or beyond the reach of parliamentary oversight,” he said.

The committee warned that persistent refusal by public officials to honour legislative invitations threatens democratic governance, weakens accountability and undermines the system of checks and balances.

It vowed to deploy all available constitutional and legislative measures to enforce compliance with its directives.

Meanwhile, sources within the National Assembly alleged that Adedeji’s refusal to appear before the committee may be connected to concerns over alleged breaches of recruitment and appointment procedures within the NRS.