A mild drama played out in the Senate on Friday as lawmakers openly complained about lack of funds, warning that the situation is crippling committee work and slowing budget implementation.
The concerns were raised during a meeting between the Senate Committee on Appropriations and chairmen of standing committees. Senator Anthony Ani (Ebonyi South) revealed that the South-East Development Commission Committee has received zero funding since inauguration, making it impossible to hold meetings or engage agencies.
Backing the claim, Senator Titus Zam (Benue North-West) said the excitement that followed the creation of zonal development commissions is fast turning into disappointment due to poor funding.
Broadening the debate, Deputy Minority Leader Senator Oyewunmi Olalere warned that delays in funding could derail the Federal Government’s planned single-budget implementation set for April 1, 2026. He noted that parts of the 2024 and 2025 budgets remain unpaid, with contractors still protesting.
Senator Francis Fadaunsi echoed the concerns, while Adams Oshiomhole urged lawmakers to remain calm pending full details of the ₦58.472 trillion 2026 budget.
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