**** Say Affected Agencies Crucial To Nigeria’s Development
The House of Representatives is eyeing increased budgetary allocation to some agencies captured in the 2025 budget estimates.
The Green Chamber, through its Deputy Spokesman, Hon. Philip Agbese, said the move followed the important roles played by the agencies in Nigeria`s socio-economic development.
Recall that among activities on the schedule of the National Assembly after its resumption this week is the passage of the N49.70 trillion 2025 appropriation act.
Addressing journalists, Monday in Abuja, Reps Agbese said in seeking more funding for the agencies the House was demonstrating its commitment to ensuring adequate financial allocation to these strategic institutions to enhance service delivery and national development.
He also reaffirmed the Chamber`s resolve to shape a new Nigeria, as he urged Nigerians to remain hopeful that the current economic hardship will soon give way to national prosperity.
“We are advocating for increased funding for the National Identity Management Commission, the National Youth Service Corps, and the Nigerian Defence Academy in the 2025 budget proposal. Other government agencies are also expected to benefit from this initiative.”
“In recent years, the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has become a crucial government agency, even though many Nigerians may not fully grasp its significance. A national data bank cannot be effectively developed or maintained without strengthening this commission.
NIMC has outlined an ambitious projection for 2025, but its success hinges on adequate support, particularly in staff training and the acquisition of cutting-edge technology essential to its operations. Without a well-equipped NIMC, the fight against terrorism would be significantly more challenging for both the government and security agencies,” he maintained.
According to Agbese, there was the need for a comprehensive reform of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), citing its critical role in addressing the manpower needs of both the public and private sectors.
He said the ideals of the NYSC must be preserved hence the Reps advocacy for improved funding for the Corps.
“The NYSC deserves better funding to adequately cater to corps members. While it is too early to disclose the exact amount agreed upon, I must state that the National Assembly is deeply concerned about the current state of the scheme. Corps members contribute immensely to national development during their service year in ways that are difficult to quantify,” he said.
He reaffirmed the legislature’s commitment to ensuring that the NYSC receives the necessary resources to enhance its effectiveness and better serve the nation.
He made a similar argument regarding the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), emphasizing the urgent need for increased funding to strengthen national security.
“At a time when terrorists continue to devise new strategies despite the gallantry of our troops, we must stay ahead by developing countermeasures. One effective approach is to enhance the funding of institutions responsible for training our security personnel to tackle emerging security threats,” he stated.
He further highlighted the inadequacy of the budget envelope system in meeting the capital expenditure needs of key security agencies.
“If you recall, when the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, appeared before the House Committee on Defence to defend the ministry’s budget, he raised concerns over the meager allocation of N50 billion in the 2025 budget proposal. This funding shortfall is not unique to the defence ministry but affects several other government agencies as well,” he added.
The Chairman of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, Hon. Oluwole Oke, had emphasized the need to commend Nigeria’s foreign missions for their service to the nation.
He disclosed that the House has agreed to an upward review of their budget estimates.
This comes in response to the proposed allocation in the 2025 Appropriation Bill, presented to the National Assembly by President Bola Tinubu on December 18, 2024. The bill earmarked ₦66.88 billion for capital expenditure and ₦286.88 billion for recurrent (non-debt) expenditure for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Expressing concerns over the allocation, Oke in an interview last month stressed that a needs assessment conducted by the ministry indicated that at least ₦1.5 trillion is required to adequately fund Nigeria’s foreign missions and diplomatic operations.
“While Federal Government may not be able to meet this financial requirement in a single budget cycle. However, in line with the Fiscal Responsibility Act and the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework approved by the parliament, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and its missions should receive at least N500 billion to effectively discharge their duties. Additionally, the impact of the unstable exchange rate must be taken into account.
Hon. Philip Agbese emphasized the numerous financial obligations facing the ministry, including subscriptions to international organizations, passage allowances for Foreign Service Officers, and Nigeria’s participation in the United Nations General Assembly, among others.
He said, “We have made a case for the missions because of the critical services they render to Nigerians abroad.”
He further noted that the parliament has been highly impressed with the leadership of the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo, in his efforts to reposition the sector.
“The Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, has spearheaded a series of reforms aimed at boosting government revenue and enhancing Nigeria’s national image. Recognizing the significance of these efforts, we are committed to increasing the Ministry’s funding in this year’s budget proposal to further support its initiatives.
Meanwhile, Agbese has urged Nigerians to remain hopeful in the New Year, assuring that the Federal Government, in collaboration with the National Assembly, is working tirelessly to improve the quality of life for all citizens in the shortest possible time.
