The House of Representatives Committee on Environment on Thursday voiced its dissatisfaction with the poor release of funds to the Ministry of Environment under the 2024 budget, citing missed opportunities to address pressing environmental challenges in Nigeria.
During a budget defence session for the Ministry’s 2025 proposal, Committee Chairman Julius Pondi criticized the significant funding gaps that hampered the Ministry’s efforts to tackle issues such as deforestation, pollution, erosion, and climate change.
Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal, disclosed that while N39.06 billion was allocated for capital projects in 2024—comprising N19.06 billion for regular capital projects and N20 billion for a presidential initiative—only N1.69 billion was released for execution.
Lawal noted that the personnel budget fared better, with the Federal Government fully releasing the N3.09 billion allocated for salaries and other personnel costs. However, N41.72 million of the N723.96 million appropriated for overheads went unspent due to delayed fund releases.
“The sum of N41.72 million remained unspent as of December 31, 2024, due to the late release of overhead costs,” Lawal explained.
Pondi, representing the Burutu Federal Constituency of Delta State, expressed concern over the exclusion of the Environmental Health Council of Nigeria (EHCON) from budgetary allocations at the start of 2024. While 13 other professional bodies were reinstated, EHCON remains excluded. Pondi urged the Minister to work with the Committee to ensure its reinstatement.
“As a committee, we are ready to increase allocations for this critical sector, provided we see key projects that will strengthen climate resilience, combat pollution, enhance community awareness, and promote accountability,” Pondi stated.
He emphasized the importance of adhering to constitutional provisions, particularly Section 80(4) of the Nigerian Constitution, which mandates that funds be withdrawn only as approved by the National Assembly.
Highlighting the environmental challenges faced by Nigerians, Pondi said, “Erosion, desertification, and floods have deprived thousands in agrarian regions of their livelihood and ability to contribute to national development. We must ensure financial resources are effectively utilized to address these issues.”
In his report, Lawal highlighted achievements such as the installation of 5kV solar power systems in institutions across Edo, Enugu, Kaduna States, and the Federal Capital Territory. However, he called for increased funding in the 2025 budget to address Nigeria’s growing environmental needs effectively.
The budget defence session was described as a crucial step toward ensuring openness, transparency, and better allocation of resources in the coming year.
