Kehinde Fajobi
The House of Representatives Committee on Information and National Orientation has rejected the ₦1.2 billion allocated for the capital component of the Ministry of Information and National Orientation’s 2025 budget, calling it insufficient.
The Ministry also expressed concerns over the ₦8.7 billion allocated to its operations, with the Committee pointing out that the 2024 budget allocation of ₦8.2 billion was higher despite a smaller national budget of ₦28.7 trillion.
Rep. Fatoba Olusola (APC, Ekiti) criticised the allocation, stating, “It is unacceptable for an agency that bears the responsibility of disseminating information not to get a substantial amount of the 2025 budget.”
Deputy Chairman of the Committee, Rep. Felix Nwaeke, echoed Olusola’s sentiment, expressing dissatisfaction with the small allocation and suggesting that the Committee reject the budget and appeal for a larger share.
Rep. Ismail Tijani (APC, Kwara) argued that the allocated funds were too little to sustain the Ministry in 2025.
He highlighted the Ministry’s foreign offices and the difficulty of meeting its mandate with the current allocation.
Rep. Akin Rotimi (APC, Ekiti) raised concerns about other government agencies performing the Ministry’s role despite lacking the required expertise.
He proposed that all information and orientation funding in the 2025 budget be reallocated to the Ministry itself.
Rep. Amobi Ogah criticised the practice of envelop budgeting, suggesting that it hampers the effectiveness of government agencies.
He urged the National Assembly to abandon the system to allow agencies to operate fully.
In his ruling, Committee Chairman Rep. Olusola confirmed the rejection of the capital component, promising to work with House leadership, the Senate, and the Finance Minister to address the issue.
Earlier, Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mr. Muhammed Idris, emphasised the Ministry’s role in ensuring the timely, accurate, and consistent dissemination of government information to the public.
Idris stressed the importance of deepening public engagement through town halls and ministerial briefings.
He also noted efforts to improve the Ministry’s online portal for better policy awareness and public feedback.
“Over the years, the Ministry has witnessed the gradual erosion of trust from the Nigerian public to the government.
“There is a need for the Ministry of Information and its agencies to deepen this engagement with the Nigerian public,” Idris added.
He also reiterated President Buhari’s mandate to the Ministry to not only showcase infrastructure projects but to also instill positive values in Nigeria’s youth, drawing inspiration from the country’s founding fathers.