A group of senators has voiced alarm regarding what they call a significant shortage of funds, warning that it is adversely impacting the functioning of standing committees and threatening seamless execution of the budget.
These concerns were brought to light during a meeting on January 30, chaired by Senator Olamilekan Adeola (APC, Ogun West), head of the Senate Committee on Appropriations, along with the chairpersons of various standing committees.
Senator Anthony Ani (APC, Ebonyi South) pointed out that his committee has been unable to operate since its establishment due to a complete lack of funding from the Senate.
He stated, “Mr. Chairman, you have outlined the schedule for the committees to review the 2026 budget, yet the Senate Committee on South East Development Commission, which I belong to, is without resources to convene any meetings with agencies due to zero funding since its formation and inauguration.”
Ani further explained that, based on reliable information, other Senate zonal development committees have not received financing either, questioning how these committees could conduct oversight without the necessary funds.
Similarly, Senator Titus Zam (Benue North West), chairman of the Senate Committee on North Central Development Commission, noted that the lack of financial support is altering public expectations regarding the new commissions.
He remarked, “The inadequate funding for the Committees on Zonal Development Commissions in the Senate is gradually transforming the excitement surrounding their creation into disappointment and lamentation.”
Focusing on budget performance, Deputy Minority Leader Senator Oyewunmi Olalere (PDP, Osun West) urged the Appropriations Committee to compel revenue- generating agencies to fulfill their obligations, cautioning that the planned transition to a single budget implementation beginning April 1, 2026, is endangered by unpaid obligations.
He stated, “The commitment for single budget implementation from April 1 of this year is at risk because portions of the capital section of the 2024 budget concerning contract executions have yet to be settled, let alone the 30% capital allocation of the 2025 budget which is due to lapse by March 31.”
Olalere emphasized, “Today (Friday) is January 30, meaning only two months remain to resolve the outstanding matters of the 2024 and 2025 budgets to allow for the promised single budget implementation from April 1, 2026.”
He concluded, “Mr. Chairman, ample work must be accomplished in the coming month by your committee and vital stakeholders to prevent the continuation of multiple budget implementations.”
Senator Francis Adenigba Fadaunsi (APC, Osun East) also commented on the lingering issue of unpaid debts from the 2024 budget, calling for immediate action involving relevant stakeholders.
He noted, “I agree with my colleague regarding the still-incomplete 2024 budget, as unpaid contractors are demonstrating with placards. This committee needs to engage critical stakeholders to properly finalize the 2024 and 2025 budgets ahead of April 1, 2026.”
As the grievances persisted, Senator Adams Oshiomhole (APC, Edo North) advised his colleagues to wait until they have complete details of the N58.472 trillion 2026 budget.
In light of Oshiomhole’s suggestion, Senator Adeola subsequently called for a private session, requesting that journalists leave the room.
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