Reps Slam N8.7bn Budget for Information Ministry, Demand Revamp of Funding Approach

The House of Representatives Committee on Information, National Orientation, Ethics, and Values has strongly criticised the N8.7 billion proposed allocation for the Ministry of Information and National Orientation in the 2025 national budget, deeming it insufficient for the ministry’s critical functions.

During a budget defence session on Wednesday in Abuja, the committee highlighted glaring inadequacies, particularly the N1.2 billion earmarked for capital projects. This was described as grossly inadequate for the ministry’s operational needs.

Committee Chairman, Rep. Olusola Fatoba (APC-Ekiti), noted the stark disparity between the ministry’s allocation and the significantly increased national budget of N49.7 trillion, up from N28.7 trillion in 2024. He labelled the N8.7 billion allocation as unacceptable for a ministry tasked with managing national communication and orientation.

Echoing this, Rep. Felix Nwaeke and other committee members proposed outright rejection of the allocation, urging the National Assembly to push for a more substantial budget. Nwaeke argued that the current funding was insufficient to sustain the ministry’s activities, particularly its role in disseminating government information and fostering public engagement.

Rep. Akin Rotimi (APC-Ekiti) highlighted a recurring issue of overlapping mandates, where other agencies encroach on the ministry’s responsibilities, often with separate budgetary allocations under the “Information and Orientation” categories. He proposed consolidating such allocations under the Ministry of Information to ensure streamlined and effective management.

Meanwhile, Rep. Amobi Ogah called for an overhaul of Nigeria’s “envelope budgeting” system, which imposes fixed limits on agency funding regardless of their operational needs. He urged lawmakers to adopt a more flexible, needs-based framework to enable government institutions to function optimally.

Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris, while defending the ministry’s budget, highlighted the ministry’s role in bridging the communication gap between the government and the public. He highlighted ongoing efforts to restore public trust through enhanced engagement, including a revamped online portal providing real-time updates on government activities.

The minister further stressed the need for deeper national value reorientation, urging the promotion of ideals espoused by Nigeria’s founding fathers, such as unity, integrity, and service. “It’s not enough for the government to build roads or hospitals. We must also inspire young Nigerians to reclaim the nation’s lost glory,” Idris remarked.

The committee concluded by pledging to work with the House leadership, Senate, and the Ministry of Finance to secure an increased allocation for the ministry, ensuring it is adequately equipped to fulfil its vital mandate.