Senate Deems N2.9bn Monthly NCDC Funding Inadequate

The Senate committee has expressed concern over the N2.9 billion monthly allocation to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), describing it as grossly inadequate against the agency's approved budget of N140 billion. Titu Zam, the committee chairman, highlighted this issue during a closed-door meeting with journalists, emphasizing the need for a framework to ensure timely fund releases for effective project delivery.

The committee plans to commence oversight activities, including inspections of NCDC headquarters and visits to North Central states to assess ongoing projects. Despite the funding gap, the Senate commended President Bola Tinubu for initiating the release of funds to the newly established agency and expressed optimism for improved funding.

Zam urged the NCDC to focus on rural development and agricultural productivity, given the region's vast arable land and favorable rainfall patterns. The committee aims to monitor the agency's performance closely and ensure public funds are utilized efficiently to stimulate economic growth and improve living standards in the North Central zone.