The House of Representatives has established an ad hoc committee to investigate the alleged illegal deduction of taxes and sundry charges from the earnings of civil and public servants, as well as multiple bank charges imposed on customers’ accounts nationwide.
Speaking during the inauguration of the committee in Abuja, the Chairman, Hon. Kelechi Nwogu, stated that the probe was prompted by growing complaints from Nigerians, particularly civil servants, regarding arbitrary and unclear deductions made by both government agencies and financial institutions.
He described the investigation as a crucial step toward ensuring transparency, fairness and accountability in Nigeria’s financial system, stressing that the legislature could no longer ignore the frustrations of citizens who suffer unexplained cuts from their salaries and bank balances.
“It is with great honour and a profound sense of duty that I stand before you as the Chairman of the Ad-hoc Committee to investigate the deduction of taxes and sundry charges from the earnings of civil and public servants, as well as multiple bank charges on customers’ accounts in Nigeria,” Nwogu stated.
According to him, the committee’s mandate includes probing the nature and application of taxes, levies, and deductions affecting workers, as well as examining possible cases of non-remittance of deducted funds.
It will also review a wide range of bank charges, including Value Added Tax (VAT) applied to existing fees, to ensure transparency and fairness.
“We aim to identify irregularities, recommend essential reforms, and advocate for the rights of all Nigerians. As we progress, we are prepared to make far-reaching and decisive recommendations, not minding whose ox is gored,” he added.
Nwogu urged all stakeholders, including government agencies, banks, regulators, and civil society groups, to cooperate with the committee, assuring that its findings would lead to meaningful reforms that promote financial justice.
He also commended the Speaker of the House, Tajudeen Abbas, and members of the 10th Assembly for their foresight in setting up the committee, describing the assignment as one of national importance.
Represented by the Chief Whip, Hon. Usman Bello Kumo, Abbas reaffirmed the House’s commitment to protecting citizens from financial exploitation, noting that the establishment of the committee reflects the legislature’s responsiveness to public concerns.
“The issue of multiple bank charges erodes public trust and places undue strain on citizens’ finances. The demands for transparency and fairness in banking cannot be ignored; they require our immediate attention,” Abbas said.
He urged the committee to conduct its assignment with integrity, objectivity, and a strong sense of responsibility to the people, promising that the House would act on its findings to ensure fairness in Nigeria’s financial system.
