Budget Defense: Reps Decry Poor Funding for Environment Ministry
Gloria Ikibah
…call for action on key projects
By Gloria Ikibah
The House of Representatives has expressed dissatisfaction with the inadequate release of funds to the Ministry of Environment, and described it as a setback to addressing the country’s pressing environmental challenges.
The Chairman House Committee on Environment, Rep. Julius Pondi, who stated this during the Ministry’s 2024 budget defence, highlighted the critical issues of deforestation, pollution, erosion, and the effects of climate change, and said that insufficient funding has hindered meaningful progress in these areas.
He also raised concerns over the removal of the Environmental Health Council of Nigeria (EHCON) and 13 professional bodies from budgetary allocations effective January 2024. While the other bodies were reinstated, EHCON remains excluded.
Rep. Pondi therefore urged the Minister of Environment to work with the Committee to ensure EHCON’s reinstatement.
“The outcomes of this budget review will set the tone for planning and resource allocation in the 2025 Budget.
“As a Committee, we are disposed to increased budgetary allocations for this critical sector, in as much as we see key projects that are envisioned to strengthen climate resilience, combat pollution, enhance community awareness, and ensure accountability in the Year 2025 Budget Proposal of the Ministry and its Agencies,” ,” Pondi stated.
He reminded the Ministry of its constitutional obligations, referencing Section 80(4) of the Constitution, which mandates that funds must be withdrawn from the Consolidated Revenue Fund only as prescribed by the National Assembly.
Pondi further stressed the importance of the budget defence session in ensuring transparency and accountability, noting its role in evaluating progress made, addressing challenges, and providing actionable inputs for future budgets.
He emphasized that these environmental issues have deprived thousands, particularly in agrarian regions, of their livelihoods and their ability to contribute to national development.
“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 Environment and other Agencies.
“Our primary focus is to evaluate how the financial resources allocated have been utilized to achieve set objectives. This session will enable us to identify progress made in implementing projects and programs across key environmental sectors, address challenges that may have hindered the achievement of goals, and provide actionable input in the year 2025 Budget,” he added.
In response, the Minister called for increased budgetary allocations to enable the Ministry to fulfill its mandate effectively.
“In 2024, the Ministry installed about 2,200 units of solar street lights in various communities and 45 solar-powered boreholes to provide clean water for the people,” Lawal disclosed.
He further noted the installation of 5kV solar power systems in five institutions, including Ekpoma, Edo State; Ife, Osun State; Nsukka, Anambra State; Zaria, Kaduna State; and Abuja.
The Committee pledged to continue its oversight functions and collaborate with the Ministry to address environmental challenges and ensure optimal utilization of allocated resources.
