By Our Reporter
ABUJA (PRECISE POST) – The Senate Committee on Environment has commenced the budget defence of the Federal Ministry of Environment as part of legislative deliberations on the 2026 Appropriation Bill before the Nigerian Senate.
Chairman of the Committee, Senator Olubiyi Fadeyi, while addressing ministry officials during the session, stressed the critical role of environmental sustainability in safeguarding national health, economic stability and security. He noted that environmental protection remains central to Nigeria’s long-term development agenda.
Fadeyi expressed concern over what he described as persistent underfunding of the Ministry and its agencies, particularly in the face of escalating environmental challenges such as oil pollution, erosion, coastal flooding, deforestation, biodiversity loss, environmental degradation and remediation needs.
He observed that although the Ministry’s 2025 recurrent budget recorded appreciable performance, capital releases were significantly constrained. According to him, while warrants were issued for major projects, they were not backed by corresponding cash releases, thereby limiting project execution.
The Ministry, in its presentation, disclosed that its 2026 budget proposal stands at ₦65.96 billion, largely reflecting a rollover of the 2025 allocation in line with directives from the Budget Office of the Federation. However, a substantial portion of the proposed capital expenditure is earmarked for ongoing externally funded programmes, including the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) project, leaving limited fiscal space to address other pressing environmental concerns.
The Committee Chairman called for improved funding mechanisms and advocated the creation of a Special Intervention Fund to enhance the Ministry’s operational capacity. He also underscored the need for Nigeria to meet its climate-related financial obligations to unlock international climate finance opportunities and strengthen global environmental partnerships.
In his remarks, the Minister of Environment, Hon. Balarabe Abbas Lawal, outlined key interventions undertaken by the Ministry. These include flood and erosion control projects, installation of solar-powered boreholes, renewable energy initiatives, implementation of the national clean cooking policy, forest conservation programmes, and strengthened inter-ministerial collaboration.
Lawal raised concerns about the impact of rising sea levels on coastal communities, noting that significant populations in vulnerable areas have been displaced. He emphasised the urgency of intensified efforts to mitigate coastal erosion and flooding.
The Minister also defended the Federal Government’s clean cooking policy, explaining that it seeks to reduce deforestation, improve public health outcomes, and lower household air pollution. He noted that prolonged exposure to smoke from traditional cooking methods has been linked to severe respiratory illnesses, including lung cancer, particularly among rural women who rely on firewood for cooking.
He said the policy aims to provide cleaner alternatives that will protect both the environment and public health.
The Committee assured the Ministry of continued legislative support while reaffirming its commitment to transparency, accountability and diligent oversight to ensure that appropriated funds are effectively utilised.
“The Senate Committee on Environment remains resolute in working collaboratively with the Executive to achieve a cleaner, safer and more sustainable Nigeria,” Fadeyi stated.
