By Gift ChapiOdekina, Abuja

The House of Representatives Committee on Environment has expressed disappointment over what it describes as the extremely low release of funds to the Ministry of Environment, leading to missed opportunities to address environmental challenges in Nigeria.

Chairman of the Committee, Rep Julius Pondi, who stated this during the ministry’s budget defence on Thursday in Abuja also highlighted the various environmental challenges facing the country, including deforestation, pollution, erosion, and climate change.

He emphasized that the outcome of the budget review will determine the planning and resource allocation for the 2025 budget.

Pondi further expressed concern over the removal of the Environmental Health Council of Nigeria and 13 professional bodies/councils from budgetary allocations, effective January 1, 2024.

Although the 13 bodies have since been reinstated, the EHCON remains excluded. Pondi urged the Minister of Environment to work closely with the Committee to ensure EHCON’s reinstatement.

He stated, “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 that will strengthen climate resilience, combat pollution, enhance community awareness, and ensure accountability in the Year 2025 Budget Proposal of the Ministry and its Agencies.”

Pondi reminded the attendees that Section 80(4) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as Amended) requires that funds be withdrawn from the Consolidated Revenue Fund or any other public fund of the Federation only in a manner prescribed by the National Assembly.

He said “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 that will strengthen climate resilience, combat pollution, enhance community awareness, and ensure accountability in the Year 2025 Budget Proposal of the Ministry and its Agencies.

Without prejudice, please be reminded, that Section 80(4) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as Amended), provides that “No moneys shall be withdrawn from the Consolidated Revenue Fund or any other public fund of the Federation, except ina manner prescribed by the National Assembly”

Pondi said budget defence session serves as a cornerstone in the collective efforts to ensure transparency, and effective implementation of accountability,
environmental programs, vital to our nation’s health, well-being, and sustainability.

He said “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.

“These unfortunate occurrences have deprived thousands, especially in the country’s agrarian region, of their livelihood and ability to contribute their quota to National development.

“As the People’s Parliamentary, we have not rested on our oars, neither should any of you. Our primary focus is to evaluate how the financial resources allocated have been utilized to achieve set objectives.

“This session will enable us 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.

The Minister of Environment, Abbas Balarabe Lawal called for increased budgetary allocation to the Ministry in other to achieve its mandate.

He disclosed that in 2024, the Ministry installed about 2,200 units of solar street lights in communities and 45 solar powered borehole to provide clean water for the people.

He said the Ministry also installed 5kv solar power in five institutions in Ekpoma, Edo state, I’ve, Sounds state, Nsukka, Anambra state, Zaria, Kaduna state and Abuja.