Senate Addresses Funding Concerns for Development Committees

The Nigerian Senate has addressed growing concerns regarding claims that Senate committees are "broke," clarifying that the financial challenges they face are indicative of broader fiscal strains across the government rather than an internal breakdown. Senate spokesman Yemi Adaramodu stated that the committees have only recently been established and have not yet been briefed on budget allocations for the upcoming sessions.

He noted that the 2025 budget has already been passed, making immediate large-scale funding unrealistic. Additionally, Adaramodu emphasized that the development committees cannot initiate programs without legislative approval.

Senator Victor Umeh highlighted difficulties faced by the Anambra Central committee, while Senator Anthony Ani pointed out that the South East Development Committee has not received any funding since its inauguration. The Senate's response follows complaints from various committee chairmen regarding inadequate funding, which threatens the effective implementation of the national budget.