Reps Launch Probe into NECO Over Alleged Illegal Spending

The House of Representatives has ordered an investigation into the National Examination Council (NECO) for alleged spending outside its approved budget and for carrying out virements without legislative approval.

The decision followed a motion of urgent public importance raised by Hon. Amobi Ogah during Thursday’s plenary, urging lawmakers to review NECO’s financial records from 2023 to 2025.

Ogah stressed that NECO must uphold transparency and accountability, adding that the House was concerned about reports of financial irregularities.

“If NECO has indeed implemented virements without legislative consent, it amounts to a serious breach of the Constitution,” he said.

The House mandated its Committee on Basic Education Examination Bodies to examine NECO’s budget performance, internally generated revenue, and bank statements from 2023 to date, and to submit its findings within three weeks.