The Registrar General of the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), Hussaini Ishaq Magaji, on Monday appeared before the Senate Committee on Finance following a sack threat issued by lawmakers over his repeated failure to honour their invitations.
Magaji, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), had previously ignored multiple summons from the Senate Committee on Finance, prompting the Committee to warn that it could recommend his removal to the Presidency for allegedly frustrating an ongoing investigation into the financial activities of the Corporate Affairs Commission.
At the resumed hearing, Chairman of the Committee, Mohammed Sani Musa, reminded the CAC Registrar General and his management team that the National Assembly has a constitutional mandate to investigate Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) as part of its oversight responsibilities.
Senator Musa, who represents Niger North Senatorial District, described Magaji’s repeated absence as a violation of constitutional provisions and an attempt to obstruct legislative oversight. He disclosed that the Committee had already resolved to forward a formal recommendation to the Presidency seeking Magaji’s removal from office before his eventual appearance.
“The investigation of ministries and agencies of government is a statutory responsibility of the parliament,” Musa said. “Your continued evasion of the Committee’s invitation constitutes a breach of the Constitution.”
Responding to the Committee, Magaji tendered an unreserved apology, attributing his previous absence to unavoidable official engagements and logistical challenges. He explained that he was returning from Lagos at the time of the last invitation and was unable to arrive in Abuja in time to honour the summons.
“Mr Chairman and distinguished members of the Committee, I hold this Committee in the highest regard,” he said. “My absence was due to circumstances beyond my control. I sincerely apologise for not responding earlier. I was returning from Lagos and it was already too late to meet up with the Senate invitation.”
Magaji also acknowledged a communication gap between his office and the National Assembly, assuring lawmakers that steps were being taken to address the issue and ensure better cooperation going forward.
In a show of support, Senator Diket Plang of Plateau Central Senatorial District appealed to the Committee to accept the CAC Registrar General’s apology and grant him another opportunity, expressing confidence that he would not repeat the mistake.
The Committee is expected to continue its probe into the financial operations of the CAC as part of its broader oversight of government agencies to ensure transparency, accountability, and compliance with statutory regulations.