2021 Budget: Reps reject 4 agencies’ proposals for failing to remit 25% IGR

The House of Representatives has rejected the 2021 budget proposals of four health agencies for failing to provide proof of remitting 25 percent of their Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) in 2020.

The House Committee on Healthcare services sent the agencies away when they appear to defend their 2021 budget proposals and render the details of their 2020 budgets.

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The agencies are:

• Medical Science Laboratory Council of Nigeria (MSLCN),
• Radiographers Registration Council of Nigeria (RRCN),
• Nigeria Pharmaceutical Research Institute (NIPRI) and
• Community Health Practitioners Registration Board (CHPRC).

However, the Dental and Medical Council of Nigeria (DMCN) was sent away due to the absence of its chief executive.

Speaking, Chairman of the committee, Rep. Yusuf Tanko Sununu, (APC, Kebbi) insisted that all revenue generating agencies must remit 25 percent of their Internally Generated Revenues (IGR) to the federation account as stipulated by law.

He said the House would assist the executive in compelling ministries, departments and agencies to remit the required percentage of their IGR.

According to him, proper remittances will help the government to effectively finance the 2021 budget.

“Let’s also try to emphasize that revenues generated by MDAs are supposed to be remitted to the Federal government in their right percentage.

“With that the amount of revenue needed to finance the budget every year will be drastically reduced. That is if all revenue generating MDAs remit what’s due to government in all honesty and truth and as and when due.

“So this committee will do its due diligence in looking at the revenues of agencies under our purview and ensure that the right amount is remitted before consideration for their 2021 budget proposals.”, he said.

However, the budget proposals of Nursing and Midwifery Registration Council and the Nigeria Institute of Medical Research, Yaba Lagos were approved by the committee after their defence.