House demands adequate funding for science and tech sector

By Lawan Hamidu, Abuja

The Nigerian House of Representatives’ Committee on Science and Technology has reiterated its commitment to ensuring adequate provision of funds for the sector as part of a legislative effort to transform the country.

The Chairman of the committee, Beni Lar from Plateau State made this known when the committee invited the Minister of Finance and the Director-General Budget Office over the low budgetary allocation for the sector.

Mrs. Lar expressed concern over the non-appearance of the Minister, Zainab Ahmad, and DG Budget Office, Ben Akabueze, describing it as unfortunate considering the role of science and technology to National Development.

Speaking after the failure of the Minister and DG to appear before the committee, a member of the committee, Mr. Awaji Abiante from Rivers State called on the House to return the 2021 budget estimates as the present appropriation lacks the capacity to pull the country out of economic challenges.

The lawmakers who frowned at the way releases were being made to government’s Ministries Departments and Agencies said that insufficient budgetary allocation to developmental projects that have the capacity to transform the nation remains Nigeria’s biggest challenge.

Other members of the committee who expressed displeasure at the representation sent in by the Minister and D.G, noted that there are numerous questions needing their personal attention.

The Committee had queried the budget office for approving the sum of twenty million naira as against the one billion naira needed to kick start the laboratory structure. 

Nnenna.O