Starrays
By Benedict Iorgyer and Moses Agbe
The Joint Committee of the National Assembly on Public Procurement, comprising the Senate and House of Representatives, chaired by Senator Emmanuel Ipinsagba last Friday questioned the non-release of 30 percent capital funds to the Ministry of Regional Development for the 2025 fiscal year, following the disclosure by the Minister of Regional Development, Abubakar Momoh, that the ministry did not receive any portion of the promised 30 per cent capital disbursement.
According to the Minister, “We have not received a dime from that 30 per cent. We have not even received a warrant,” the minister said. He noted that the ministry only came across documentation suggesting a purported release of about N9 million, which he stressed did not reflect the pledged 30 per cent capital disbursement.”
While the Co-chairmen of the joint committee, Senator Olajide Ipinsagba Emmanuel and Honourable Eugene Okechukwu, alongside other members, expressed dissatisfaction over what they described as zero capital performance in 2025.
It was further gathered that the non-release of the 30 per cent capital component was not peculiar to the Ministry of Regional Development. Lawmakers from both chambers revealed that during an earlier engagement with the Accountant-General of the Federation, it was discovered that several Ministries, Departments and Agencies were yet to receive the promised disbursement, despite the extension of the 2025 budget implementation to March 31.
The lawmakers cautioned that rolling over 70 per cent of the 2025 capital allocation into 2026 without implementing the initial 30 per cent would cripple that portion of the budget, which has serious implications for project implementation nationwide.
Consequently, the joint committee resolved to invite the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy to throw more light on the status of capital releases and address the consistent funding gaps affecting Ministries Departments and Agencies.
Members of the Committee also tasked the Honourable Minister to ensure equity, fairness and balance in the allocation and implementation of capital projects across the nation.
Following the deliberations, the committee adopted the ministry’s 2026 budget proposal as a “watching document,” indicating that the minister could be recalled if necessary, particularly if there are developments regarding fund releases.
The session was adjourned with the lawmakers emphasizing the need for urgent engagement with the Ministry of Finance to prevent a recurrence of funding shortfalls that have affected previous fiscal years.
