Environment minister makes presentation before lawmakers
Three ministers took turns yesterday to explain the gains of the stoppage of petrol subsidy payment, Budget 2024 implementation performance and the importance of the national identity scheme.
The ministers are Mr. Wale Edun (Finance/Coordinating Minister for the Economy), Atiku Bagudu (Budget/Economic Planning) and Mohammed Idris (Information and National Orientation).
It was during a special budget defence session organised by the Senate Committees on Appropriation, Information and National Orientation for some ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs).
The senators sought explanations from Edun and Bagudu on the gains of petrol fuel subsidy removal and the amount spent on debt servicing in 2024.
Idris, who was represented by the Director-General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, and News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) Managing Director, Alli Mohammed Alli, explained the need for the national identity project being championed by NOA.
Edun, who explained the extent to which last year’s budget had been implemented, especially its capital component, was asked by a member of the committee, Senator Abdul Ningi (PDP – Bauchi Central), to explain how proceeds from petrol subsidy removal were applied in the 2024 fiscal year.
Ningi said: “What is the budget performance achieved so far for 2024 fiscal year, particularly in terms of the capital expenditure?
“We haven’t heard from the minister how much has been saved from the removal of fuel subsidy and how much has been expended.
“We also haven’t heard from the minister about the debt servicing. How much have we actually used to service our debts in 2004?
“How much are we expecting to service the debt in 2005?
“Finally, will the Minister of Finance guarantee that the extension of the capital component of the 2024 Budget to June 30, will give the desired results in terms of implementation that had a low percentage now?”
The minister requested the committee to allow him to provide answers in an executive session, which was granted by the Committee chaired by Senator Solomon Adeola (APC – Ogun West).
“Are we in a closed-door session? If we are not in a closed-door session, I will humbly seek for that for detailed explanations on the questions asked,” the minister requested.
Issa-Onilu and Ali were separately quizzed over their allocations, projects and 2024 Budget performance when they appeared before the Senate Committee on Information and National Orientation.
They (Issa-Onilu and Alli) were directed to re-draft and re-present their budgetary proposals for the 2025 fiscal year.
The committee chaired by Senator Kenneth Eze (APC – Ebonyi Central), quizzed the NOA DG on the national identity project being championed by the agency.
He said: “Nigerians are not aware of the project particularly those residing at the grassroots.”
The NOA DG told the committee members that the project was very necessary to enhance the right value system.
“The challenge we have about value system is about national identity, which is very necessary at galvanising Nigerians for nation building, national development and growth,” Issa-Onilu said.
However, the committee insisted that he should redraft programmes to be captured and appropriated for in the 2025 fiscal year.
All were told to go and reconcile disjointed figures presented in the 2024 Budget implementation before returning to defend the NAN’s vote in this year’s Appropriation Bill.
Also yesterday, the House of Representatives Committee on the Environment frowned at “the abysmally” low release of funds to the Ministry of Environment.
The committee blamed the lack of cash backing for several missed opportunities to address environmental challenges across the country.
Chairman of the Committee, Julius Pondi, listed such environmental challenges as deforestation, pollution, erosion and the effects of climate change on the various communities.
Pondi said the appraisal of the 2024 Budget review will set the tone for planning and resource allocation in this year’s budget.
He also expressed concern that the Environmental Health Council of Nigeria (EHCON) and 13 professional bodies/councils were removed from budgetary allocations, adding that the same bodies have since been re-instated, leaving only the EHCON.
He urged the Minister of the Environment, Balarabe Lawal, to work closely with the committee to ensure EHCON’s reinstatement.
Pondi said: “As a committee, we are disposed to increase budgetary allocations for this critical sector, in as much as we see key projects that are envisioned that will strengthen climate resilience, combat pollution, enhance community awareness, and ensure accountability in the Year 2025 Budget Proposal of the Ministry and its Agencies.
“Without prejudice, please be reminded, that Section 80(4) of the 1999 Constitution (as Amended) provides that no money shall be withdrawn from the Consolidated Revenue Fund or any other public fund of the Federation, except in a manner prescribed by the National Assembly.”
According to Pondi, the budget defence session serves as a cornerstone in the collective efforts to ensure transparency.
He said: “You may recall that the House of Representatives, on various occasions at plenary, deliberated motions ranging from erosion, desertification and flood disasters in many parts of the country, necessitating government intervention through the Ministry of the Environment and other agencies.
“These unfortunate occurrences have deprived thousands, especially in the country’s agrarian region, of their livelihood and ability to contribute their quota to national development.
“As the people’s parliament, we have not rested on our oars, neither should any of you. Our primary focus is to evaluate how the financial resources allocated have been utilised to achieve set objectives.
“This session will enable us to identify progress made in implementing projects and programmes across key environmental sectors, address challenges that may have hindered the achievement of goals and provide actionable input in the 2025 estimates.”
Calling for increased budgetary allocation to his ministry to achieve its mandate, Lawal said the Ministry of the Environment installed about 2,200 units of solar street lights in communities and 45 solar-powered boreholes to provide clean water for Nigerians.
He said the ministry also installed 5kv solar power in five institutions in Ekpoma, Edo State, Nsukka, Enugu State, Zaria, Kaduna State and Abuja.
