Lawmakers in the Senate expressed frustration on Friday over the shortage of funds, a situation they say is affecting the work of committees and slowing down budget activities.
The discussion came during a meeting between the Senate Committee on Appropriations and the leaders of various standing committees.
Senator Anthony Ani of Ebonyi South revealed that the Senate Committee on the South-East Development Commission has not received any money since it was established, making it difficult to hold meetings or carry out its duties.
He added that other committees supervising zonal development commissions also appear to be without funding, raising questions about how they can operate effectively.
Senator Titus Zam of Benue North-West, who chairs the Senate Committee on the North-Central Development Commission, warned that the excitement over the creation of the zonal development commissions could turn into disappointment if funding continues to be delayed.
Turning to the broader budget situation, Deputy Minority Leader Senator Oyewunmi Olalere of Osun West called on the Appropriations Committee, led by Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, to ensure that revenue-generating agencies fulfill their obligations to support the budget.
He noted that the government’s plan to implement a single budget starting April 1, 2026, is at risk.
Parts of the capital component of the 2024 budget remain unpaid, and the 30 percent capital component of the 2025 budget is expected to expire by March 31.
Olalere stressed that urgent steps are needed in the next two months to clear unpaid obligations from previous budgets and prevent the continuation of staggered budget implementation.
Senator Francis Fadaunsi of Osun East also said that debts from the 2024 budget have not been settled, leaving contractors unpaid.
Senator Adams Oshiomhole of Edo North advised colleagues to be patient, assuring them that full details of the ₦58.472 trillion 2026 budget would soon be made available.
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