The House of Representatives has inaugurated an Ad-hoc Committee to investigate recurring deductions of taxes and other charges from the earnings of civil and public servants, as well as multiple bank charges imposed on customers across Nigeria.
The committee, chaired by Hon. Kelechi Nwogu, was established following widespread complaints from Nigerians over unexplained deductions, inconsistent tax policies, and rising banking fees that have continued to strain workers and small business owners alike.
Speaking at the inauguration, Nwogu said the investigation reflected the National Assembly’s commitment to transparency, fairness, and accountability in the nation’s financial systems.
“It is with great honour and a profound sense of duty that I stand before you as Chairman of this committee,” he said. “We are responding to citizens’ concerns to ensure that financial practices in both government and banking sectors align with justice and equity.”
He noted that the committee’s mandate includes examining the nature and application of taxes, levies, and deductions affecting civil and public servants, as well as possible cases of non-remittance of funds. It will also review various bank charges and the application of Value Added Tax (VAT) on existing fees, with the goal of protecting Nigerians from unfair or double charges.
“These issues have contributed to confusion and a lack of trust among our populace,” Nwogu stated. “We aim to identify irregularities, recommend reforms, and advocate for the rights of all Nigerians.”
He assured that the committee would conduct a thorough, evidence-based investigation and make decisive recommendations to reform financial practices across the public and private sectors.
“Our task is not only to expose problems but to propose actionable reforms that strengthen public confidence in Nigeria’s financial systems,” he added.
Nwogu called for cooperation from government agencies, banks, regulators, and civil society groups, emphasising that the success of the assignment depends on openness and collaboration.
“We encourage participation from a diverse range of stakeholders throughout this process,” he said. “Together, we can build a more equitable financial environment for all Nigerians.”
He also commended Speaker Tajudeen Abbas and members of the 10th Assembly for setting up the committee, describing the investigation as “a matter of national importance that speaks directly to citizens’ daily struggles.”
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, represented by the Chief Whip, Hon. Usman Bello Kumo, said the committee’s formation was a direct response to the frustrations of Nigerians who have continued to face arbitrary deductions from their salaries and bank accounts.
“It is a privilege to inaugurate this committee dedicated to investigating tax deductions and various charges affecting the earnings of our civil and public servants, as well as excessive bank fees impacting everyday Nigerians,” he said.
Abbas noted that civil servants, already burdened by low wages and rising living costs, must not be subjected to opaque deductions or exploitative bank fees.
“The deductions faced by our public servants raise serious concerns,” he said. “These dedicated individuals should not bear the burden of unjust financial practices that diminish their earnings.”
He decried the growing problem of multiple and unclear bank charges, noting that such practices undermine trust and worsen the economic hardship faced by citizens, including small business operators who rely heavily on banking services for daily transactions.
“The issue of multiple bank charges erodes public trust and places an undue strain on citizens’ finances,” he said. “The demands for transparency and fairness in banking cannot be ignored.”
The Speaker urged the committee to carry out its work with integrity, objectivity, and diligence, engaging stakeholders to ensure practical outcomes that restore confidence in Nigeria’s financial system.
“This committee will work diligently and with integrity to uncover the truth and provide actionable recommendations for reform that protect the rights of our citizens,” he stated.
Abbas stressed that the investigation was part of a broader effort to ensure that Nigerians are not unfairly treated by institutions meant to serve them, adding that the House would not tolerate exploitative practices in either the public or private sectors.
“Our efforts aim to ensure that every Nigerian has a voice and that our actions will shape a just financial landscape for future generations,” he said.
He concluded by calling for unity and commitment to fairness, expressing confidence that the committee’s work would lead to long-term reforms promoting transparency and financial justice.
The probe comes amid growing public anger over rising bank charges, VAT on transfers, and unexplained salary deductions, which many workers and small-scale entrepreneurs say have worsened their financial strain. For MSMEs,already battling inflation and high operating costs,such deductions often reduce liquidity, making it harder to sustain operations or pay employees.
Observers say the House investigation could pave the way for policy adjustments that not only protect workers and consumers but also improve the ease of doing business in Nigeria’s financial ecosystem.
