Senate criticizes inadequate funding of environmental agencies

The Senate Committee on Environment has voiced strong criticism regarding the inadequate budgetary allocations for environmental agencies in Nigeria.

This dissatisfaction highlights the ongoing struggle to secure necessary funding for crucial environmental initiatives, impacting both agency operations and the broader ecological health of the nation.

This dissatisfaction was articulated during an interactive session on Monday, where Committee Chairman Senator Ned Nwoko labeled the situation as “inhuman.”

He emphasized that over 5,000 Nigerians have faced salary delays due to these financial constraints.

The Senate Committee’s scrutiny reflects a broader concern about environmental governance in Nigeria. They have expressed a commitment to increasing budgetary allocations for environmental initiatives, emphasizing the need for effective resource allocation to combat climate issues and enhance community awareness

Dr. Yakubu Mohammed Baba, the Registrar of the Environmental Health Council of Nigeria (EHCON), reported that agency staff have not received salaries since January 1, 2024. This issue stems from EHCON and 13 other professional bodies being initially excluded from budgetary allocations. While the other bodies have since been reinstated, EHCON remains without funding.

In light of these concerns, Mahmud Adam Kambari, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, assured that steps are being taken to resolve the funding issues. He indicated that the matter has been escalated to both the President and the National Assembly for urgent attention.

The Senate Committee on Environment is advocating for better funding and support for environmental agencies like EHCON, highlighting the critical impact of financial constraints on public service delivery and environmental management in Nigeria.