Several senators have expressed concern over inadequate funding, warning that the situation is hampering the operations of Senate standing committees and posing risks to effective implementation of the 2026 budget.
The concerns were raised on Friday, January 30, during a meeting between the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriations, Senator Olamilekan Adeola (APC, Ogun West), and chairmen of various standing committees.
Speaking at the meeting, Senator Anthony Ani (APC, Ebonyi South) said his committee has been unable to operate since its inauguration due to the absence of financial allocations. According to him, the Senate Committee on the South East Development Commission, which he belongs to, has not received any funds since its establishment, making it impossible to convene meetings or engage relevant agencies.
Ani added that information available to him indicates that other committees overseeing zonal development commissions are facing similar funding challenges, questioning how effective oversight can be carried out without the necessary resources.
Similarly, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on the North Central Development Commission, Senator Titus Zam (Benue North West), said the lack of funding is already eroding public confidence in the newly established commissions. He noted that the initial optimism surrounding the commissions is gradually giving way to disappointment and public dissatisfaction.
Turning attention to budget implementation, the Deputy Minority Leader of the Senate, Senator Oyewunmi Olalere (PDP, Osun West), called on the Appropriations Committee to intensify efforts to ensure revenue-generating agencies meet their targets. He warned that unresolved obligations from previous budgets could undermine the planned transition to a single budget implementation cycle from April 1, 2026.
Olalere explained that outstanding payments under the capital components of the 2024 and 2025 budgets remain a major concern, stressing that with only two months left, urgent action is required to clear pending commitments and avoid the continuation of multiple budget cycles.
Supporting this position, Senator Francis Adenigba Fadaunsi (APC, Osun East) said unpaid obligations from the 2024 budget are still causing public agitation, with contractors protesting over non-payment. He urged the Appropriations Committee to urgently engage relevant stakeholders to resolve outstanding issues before April 1, 2026.
As discussions continued, Senator Adams Oshiomhole (APC, Edo North) advised his colleagues to exercise patience until full details of the proposed N58.472 trillion 2026 budget are made available.
Following the intervention, Senator Adeola announced an executive session and requested members of the press to leave the meeting.
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