The functioning of Senate standing committees and budget implementation are being hindered due to a lack of funds, according to some senators.
The lawmakers raised the issue during a meeting between the Senate Committee on Appropriations and the chairpersons of the standing committees.
Anthony Ani, Senator representing Ebonyi South, disclosed that the Senate Committee on South East Development Commission, which he chairs, has not received any funding since its inauguration.
Kamoru Ogunlana’s transformative leadership as Clerk to National Assembly
“We do not have money to organise meetings with any agency due to zero allocation since formation and inauguration,” Ani said.
Titus Zam, Chairman of the Senate Committee on North Central Development Commission, echoed Ani’s concerns, saying that the lack of funding for the committees on zonal development commissions is turning the excitement that heralded their creation into disappointment and lamentation.
Senate Deputy Minority Leader Oyewunmi Olalere expressed concerns about the implementation of the 2026 budget, citing the unpaid capital component of the 2024 budget and the impending expiration of the 2025 budget.
“Only two months remain to clear outstanding obligations for the 2024 and 2025 budgets to allow the proposed single budget implementation from April 1, 2026,” Olalere said.
The senators urged the Senate Committee on Appropriations to ensure that revenue-generating agencies meet expectations and that the 2024 and 2025 budgets are fully implemented.
Francis Fadaunsi, Senator representing Osun East, noted that the 2024 budget debt has not been paid, and contractors are still carrying placards.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio disclosed that the Oshiomhole-led ad hoc committee directed to investigate the persistent derailment of Nigeria’s trains had yet to commence work due to a lack of funds.
“But we will look for money for them to commence work immediately,” Akpabio said.
The meeting was adjourned for an executive session to discuss the issues further.
Stay ahead with the latest updates! Join The ConclaveNG on WhatsApp and Telegram for real-time news alerts, breaking stories, and exclusive content delivered straight to your phone. Don’t miss a headline — subscribe now!
