Zero Capital Budget Stalled Infrastructure Devt. In 2024-25 - Interior Minister
The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, at budget defence of the Joint Committee of the Senate and House of Representatives in Abuja, said that the ministry recorded zero per cent capital budget disbursement for the 2024 and 2025 fiscal years. This, he said, stalled project execution and critical infrastructure development.
Tunji-Ojo stated that no capital allocation approved by the National Assembly within the period had been released, leaving performance on capital projects at zero per cent, despite existing plans.
The Minister, however, stated that the ministry remained financially disciplined by consistently remitting its Internally Generated Revenue into the Consolidated Revenue Fund, as required by law.
Chairman of the Senate Committee, Adams Oshiomhole, and other lawmakers expressed displeasure over the development, describing the non-release of funds as a major setback to institutional performance and project delivery.
The committee warned that persistent delays in releasing approved funds to Ministries, Departments and Agencies, MDAs, undermine government effectiveness.
Agencies under the ministry that appeared before the committee included the Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigerian Correctional Service, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and the Federal Fire Service.