- Threaten zero allocation in 2026 budget
By Paul Effiong, Abuja
The House of Representatives Committee on Agricultural Colleges and Institutions has directed all institutions under its oversight to submit evidence of their internally generated revenue, IGR, within 24 hours.
The directive was issued yesterday during a budget defence session with the relevant agencies, following a motion raised by a member of the committee.
Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Abiodun Akinlade, warned that any institution that fails to comply would receive a zero allocation during the 2026 budget defence.
He stressed that budget defence should not be treated as a routine annual exercise but as a critical process with direct implications for the welfare of Nigerians.
“Budget defence is a universal practice in all democracies, where Ministries, Departments and Agencies, MDAs, present their proposals to the legislature for scrutiny and approval. Until such approval is granted by Parliament, MDAs are not permitted to spend. This is why it is often said that the power of the purse rests with the legislature,” he said.
Akinlade explained that agencies appearing before the committee were expected to justify their proposals by providing details on the implementation of the 2025 budget, as well as their projections and priorities for 2026.
“We expect agencies to speak freely. We are representatives and partners in progress, all working towards making our country better,” he added.
The committee also expressed concern over the non-release of capital funds to the agencies in 2025.
According to Akinlade, “Capital releases to these agencies were zero throughout 2025, and this has significantly affected their performance. We appeal to the Executive to ensure that funds are adequately released to enable these institutions to function effectively.”
