The Senate, on Thursday, criticized the 2024 performance of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) during the 2025 budget defense sessions in Abuja.
Those summoned included the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, the Director General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, and the Director General of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Mr. Ali Mohammed Ali.
During the sessions, Mr. Edun and Senator Atiku Bagudu, the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, faced intense scrutiny from the Senate Committee on Appropriation. Meanwhile, the DGs of NOA and NAN endured tough questioning by the Senate Committee on Information and National Orientation.
Finance Minister on the Hot Seat
The Minister of Finance faced a barrage of questions from committee members, particularly concerning the implementation of the 2024 budget, with a focus on the capital expenditure component.
Senator Abdul Ningi (PDP, Bauchi Central) pressed the minister to clarify how funds saved from the removal of fuel subsidies were utilized during the 2024 fiscal year.
“What is the budget performance so far, particularly regarding capital expenditure?” Senator Ningi asked.
“We haven’t heard from the minister how much has been saved from the removal of fuel subsidy and how much has been spent. Additionally, how much was allocated for debt servicing in 2024? And how much is projected for debt servicing in 2025? Lastly, can the minister guarantee that the extension of the capital component of the 2024 budget to June 30, 2025, will result in meaningful implementation, given its current low performance?”
Appearing unsettled by the detailed questioning, the Finance Minister requested a closed-door session to provide comprehensive answers. “Are we in a closed-door session? If not, I would respectfully request one for detailed explanations,” he said.
The Committee Chairman, Senator Solomon Olamilekan (APC, Ogun West), granted the request and asked journalists to leave.
Criticism of NOA and NAN Budget Proposals
Earlier, during the budget defense for agencies under its oversight, the Senate Committee on Information and National Orientation rejected the budget proposals of both the NOA and NAN for 2025. The committee, chaired by Senator Kenneth Eze (APC, Ebonyi Central), directed the DGs to revise and resubmit their proposals.
The DG of NOA, Mallam Issa-Onilu, was questioned about the agency’s National Identity Project, with committee members arguing that the initiative was largely unknown to Nigerians, particularly those at the grassroots level. In his defense, Issa-Onilu emphasized the project’s importance in fostering a value system and national development.
“The challenge with our value system is tied to the need for a strong national identity, which is critical for nation-building and sustainable development,” he stated.
However, the committee insisted on a redrafting of the agency’s programs to align with the 2025 fiscal year priorities.
Similarly, the Managing Director of NAN was instructed to reconcile inconsistencies in figures presented for the 2024 budget implementation before proposing allocations for 2025.
Distinct News reports that the Senate’s grilling of MDAs during the 2025 budget defense highlights significant concerns over the implementation of the 2024 budget, transparency in expenditure, and the preparedness of key agencies to meet national priorities.
However, these sessions underscore the legislature’s intent to ensure fiscal accountability and effective governance in the upcoming fiscal year.
