By Gloria Ikibah
The House of Representatives has directed all agricultural institutions to submit evidence of their internally generated revenue (IGR) within 24 hours.
This was the resolution during the 2026 budget defence session of the House Committee on Agricultural Colleges and Institutions with the relevant agencies. 
The Committee Chairman, Rep. Abiodun Akinlade, threatened that any institution that fails to comply with the 2026 budget defence will be suspended, this is as he emphasised that the session should not be treated as a routine annual exercise, but as a critical process with direct implications for the welfare of Nigerians.
“Budget defence is a universal practice in all democracies where ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) present their budget proposals to the legislature for scrutiny and approval. Until such approval is granted by Parliament, MDAs are not permitted to spend. This is why it is often said that the power of the purse rests with the legislature,” he said.
He explained that agencies that appears before the Committee are expected to justify their budget proposals by providing details on the implementation of the 2025 budget as well as the projections and priorities contained in their 2026 estimates.
“We expect agencies to speak freely. We are representatives and partners in progress, all working towards making our country better,” Akinlade added.
The Committee also expressed worries over the non-release of capital funds to the agencies in 2025.
“The capital released to these agencies was zero throughout 2025, and this has significantly affected their performance. We appeal to the Executive to ensure that capital funds are adequately released to enable these institutions to function effectively”, he stated.
