Funding Crisis Hits Senate Committees Ahead Of 2026 Budget
By MELVIN KOFFA
Senate Committees Sound Alarm Over Funding Gaps Ahead of 2026 Budget
CONCERNS over inadequate funding for legislative committees dominated proceedings at the National Assembly on Friday, as senators warned that the lack of resources could weaken parliamentary oversight and delay the passage of the 2026 federal budget.
The complaints were raised during a meeting of the Senate Committee on Appropriations, convened to agree on a timetable for the defence of the 2026 budget by ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs), as well as its presentation and passage by the Senate.
Several lawmakers argued that without adequate funding, standing committees—constitutionally empowered to scrutinise government spending—would be unable to carry out their responsibilities effectively.
Committees ‘Paralysed’ by Zero Allocation
Tensions surfaced early in the meeting when the senator representing Ebonyi South, Anthony Ani, disclosed that the Senate Committee on the South East Development Commission, which he chairs, had not received any operational funds since its inauguration last year.
According to Mr. Ani, the situation has rendered the committee inactive, despite its mandate to oversee the affairs of the South East Development Commission.
“Mr. Chairman, the timetable you have read out assumes that all committees are operational. But my committee has not received a single kobo since it was formed,” he said. “We cannot invite any ministry or agency to defend its 2026 budget proposal because we lack the resources to organise meetings.”
Mr. Ani added that the problem was not limited to his committee, noting that other committees supervising zonal development commissions were facing similar funding constraints.
Growing Frustration Among Zonal Committees
Echoing similar concerns, Senator Titus Zam, who represents Benue North-West and chairs the Senate Committee on the North-Central Development Commission (NCDC), described the situation as demoralising.
“The excitement that greeted the establishment of zonal development commissions is gradually turning into disappointment and lamentation,” Mr. Zam said. “Without funding, these committees exist only in name.”
Zonal development commissions were created to address regional infrastructure deficits and socio-economic challenges. Senators argue that starving the oversight committees of funds undermines the effectiveness of these agencies and weakens accountability.
Budget Cycle at Risk, Minority Leader Warns
The Senate Minority Leader, Oyewunmi Olalere, broadened the discussion by linking the funding crisis to Nigeria’s long-standing challenges with budget implementation.
He warned that the federal government’s plan to fully implement a January–December budget cycle from April 2026 could be jeopardised if outstanding obligations from previous budgets were not resolved promptly.
“Today is 30 January. That leaves barely two months to clear the backlog of the 2024 and 2025 budgets,” Mr. Olalere said. “Parts of the capital component of the 2024 budget have not been paid, and the 30 per cent capital allocation for 2025 is due to expire by 31 March.”
According to him, failure to address these gaps would result in the continuation of multiple budget cycles, a practice successive administrations have pledged to end.
Unpaid Contractors and Lingering Projects
Supporting the Minority Leader’s concerns, Senator Francis Fadahunsi, who represents Osun East, said unpaid contractors were still protesting across the country over unfulfilled obligations tied to earlier budgets.
“Contractors are still carrying placards on the streets because the 2024 budget has not been fully implemented,” Mr. Fadahunsi said. “This committee must urgently engage with relevant stakeholders to tidy up the 2024 and 2025 budgets before April 2026.”
Lawmakers warned that continued delays in funding oversight activities could further complicate efforts to monitor project execution and ensure value for money.
Closed-Door Session Ordered
Following the series of complaints, the Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Appropriations, Senator Adeola Olamilekan, directed that the meeting continue behind closed doors, signalling the sensitivity of the issues raised.
Funding and Oversight Controversies
The Senate operates over 100 standing committees responsible for overseeing federal MDAs. These committees typically receive allocations running into millions of naira to fund public hearings, investigations and official engagements. However, such allocations are embedded within the National Assembly’s overall budget and are rarely disclosed publicly.
Legislative oversight has also been a subject of controversy, with lawmakers often accused of collecting inducements during oversight visits, including sponsored travel and accommodation from agencies they supervise—allegations the National Assembly has repeatedly denied.
