Home News N’ Assembly Committee Threatens Zero Allocation to Agric Agencies Without Budget Defence  

N’ Assembly Committee Threatens Zero Allocation to Agric Agencies Without Budget Defence  

by AgroNigeria

The National Assembly Joint Committee on Agricultural Production and Services has issued a stern warning of zero budget allocations to agencies under the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security whose Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) fail to appear in person to defend their 2025 budget estimates.

The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Senator Saliu Mustapha, and his House of Representatives counterpart, Hon. Bello Kaoje, expressed disappointment on Thursday over the absence of some agency heads despite the presidential directive mandating their appearance before the National Assembly.

Speaking during the ongoing budget defense sessions, Senator Mustapha described the conduct of some CEOs as “unacceptable,” noting that their failure to prioritize the critical task of defending budget proposals jeopardizes the smooth execution of government policies in the agricultural sector.

Senator Mustapha, addressing the representative of the Director General, stated that there was no valid justification for the absence of the Chief Executive, who also serves as the agency’s accounting officer.

He emphasized the importance of accountability and ordered that Dr. Isegbe appear in person to defend the agency’s budget estimates no later than Monday, January 20.

He said, “We will not be attending to you at this time. During the President’s presentation of the budget, he emphasized that all heads of agencies must prioritize defending their estimates and suspend any travel plans. While we may reschedule another time for this engagement, it might not be convenient for him, as we are working within a strict timeline to submit our report.”

“We should all strive to make this process smoother for everyone involved. There is no need to create unnecessary complications. Even if he intends to tender an excuse, he should have been present to introduce the individuals who will act on his behalf.

“Ultimately, there are critical questions we will need to ask, and you may not be in a position to provide the answers. Should we really be accepting such excuses? You may wish to step aside and inform him that we are granting a 48-hour deadline for him to appear before us.”

“The President had previously emphasized the importance of staying focused when he presented the national budget, instructing that no official should travel during this critical period. Ironically, it seems this commitment is being abandoned now. “Let him know that we are available tomorrow, and the least we expect is his presence,” a concerned official remarked.

Earlier, Senator Mustapha addressed the gathering, expressing alarm over projections from the World Food Programme. He highlighted that an estimated 33.1 million Nigerians may face acute hunger in 2025, underscoring that food security is a matter of urgency and must not be treated lightly.

He stated, “The World Food Programme’s projection that approximately 33.1 million Nigerians could face food insecurity in 2025 is a stark warning. A food crisis of this magnitude is something we cannot afford to allow, and it is imperative that we work collectively to avert it.

“Considering the pivotal role agriculture plays in ensuring food security, economic stability, and rural development, it is crucial to make adequate budgetary provisions to tackle the pressing challenges facing the sector today.”

“The combined effects of climate change, desertification, and other environmental challenges have placed agricultural productivity under severe threat, highlighting the urgent need for increased budgetary allocation to the sector.

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A member therefore expressed the legislature’s commitment to ensuring the timely passage of the budget, while raising concerns about the soaring prices of agricultural produce across the country. He noted that food has become increasingly unaffordable for the average Nigerian.

He said, “This situation calls for a reassessment of our policies and a realignment of our priorities,” he said. “We must dedicate our energies to initiatives that will enhance agricultural yield and significantly boost food production.”

The Senate and House of Representatives have expressed concern over the disproportionate allocation of funds to recurrent expenditure compared to capital expenditure in the proposed budget.

Addressing the issue, lawmakers emphasized the urgent need to reposition the agricultural sector and restore it to its former glory. “The responsibility of revitalizing the agricultural sector and ensuring its return to its glorious days lies with us here,” they noted during deliberations on the budget estimate.

Similarly, the Chairman of the House Committee on Agricultural Services and Production, Hon. Bello Kaoje, warned government agencies against failing to defend their budget proposals. He stressed that such lapses could undermine the legislature’s efforts to ensure accountability and sectoral development.

The lawmakers reiterated their commitment to fostering agricultural growth as a means of driving economic stability and food security across the nation.

Kaoje said “because of the importance of the budgetary provisions, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria appeared before a joint session of the National Assembly to present the budget.

So, there is no reason for any Head of agency not to appear before the parliament at this critical time.

“You are not the accounting officer. If you are asked any question in the budget, can you defend it? We are giving your agency 48 hours to appear before the parliament or else, you will have zero allocation in your budget”.

Kaoje said food security is one of the challenges facing the country today, leading to the president declaring a state of emergency on food security in 2024.

Speaking on the government’s commitment to addressing food security, he said, “Last year, Mr. President declared a state of emergency on food security. Following this, we had an extensive discussion with the Minister of Agriculture, who highlighted numerous challenges in the sector.

“In response, we assured him that the two committees involved would take proactive steps to ensure the budget is adequately enhanced to address these issues.”

He further emphasized the committees’ resolve to support the Ministry of Agriculture in overcoming obstacles.

“We will do everything within our capacity to assist in addressing the challenges. By collaborating closely with the Appropriation Committee, we aim to align with the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda and achieve significant progress in food security,” he added.

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