Section 5: Powers of the Commission

In the discharge of its duties under this Act, the Commission shall have power to-(a) ask for and obtain from any government agency or other private institution statistical or other information relevant to the functions of the Commission under this Act;
(b) bring to the attention of the President areas where national policies and programmes are seriously hampered and violated;
(c) prescribe action along a given course for any government agency for the attainment of identified specific national objectives;
(d) advise the President as to the appropriate measures to be undertaken by appropriate agencies or bodies in order to ensure their conformity with national policies or programmes;
(e) with the approval of the President, direct the Ministries and appropriate agencies not to release funds for projects that have not been properly approved by the Commission or projects for which there is a lack of adequate information;
(f) issue guidelines and circulars regarding plan preparation, implementation and control;
(g) make representation in the legislature for and on behalf of the President;
(h) recruit, promote and discipline all officers of the Commission, provided that the Commissioners and the secretary can only be disciplined with the approval of the President;
(i) determine the conditions of service of its employees, as appropriate;
(j) provide advisory services on matters referred to it by any Government of the Federation or its agency; and
(k) express its opinion on any matter it considers pertinent to the national development process.