House of Reps Orders JAMB to Remit ₦3.6 Billion to Fiscal Responsibility Commission

During an investigative hearing in Abuja, Rep. Bamidele Salam, Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee, directed the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) to remit ₦3.6 billion to the Fiscal Responsibility Commission (FRC). This order comes in response to an ongoing dispute over unremitted operating surplus.

Salam emphasized that the remittance was a legal obligation, not subject to personal interpretation or negotiation. He rejected JAMB's arguments about differing remittance percentages, stating that the matter was clearly defined by law and regulation. The Committee unanimously agreed that JAMB must pay the outstanding amount to the FRC and provide proof of payment within 30 days.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the FRC had taken JAMB to the Committee over an unremitted surplus. Bello Aliyu, representing the FRC, reported that as of 2021, JAMB owed ₦390.725 million. However, following the submission of JAMB’s 2022 audited financial statement, the new liability was recalculated to ₦3.602 billion. The FRC had notified JAMB of this update via letters dated March 14 and August 31, but received no response.

Mufutau Bello, Director of Finance and Administration at JAMB, explained that the difference in remittance figures stemmed from the FRC's demand for a 50% revenue remittance, whereas JAMB had adhered to a 25% remittance based on a concession from the Accountant-General’s office. He defended JAMB’s position by highlighting the reduction in registration fees from ₦5,000 to ₦3,500, asserting that this was a commitment to public benefit and adherence to the agreed 25% remittance rate.

The disagreement centers on the FRC’s push for an increase to 50%, while JAMB maintains its compliance with the 25% remittance concession