N50b budget can’t end insecurity, Matawalle tells lawmakers
TCN requires N2.779tr to tackle electricity challenges, says Adelabu
Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, has told lawmakers that the proposed N50 billion budget for the ministry in 2025 is grossly inadequate to address the country’s security challenges.
He noted that the current security situation in Nigeria required more funding and a more comprehensive approach.
This is as the House of Representatives Committee on Defence resolved to increase the budgetary provision of the Ministry of Defence to sustain the success being recorded in the fight against insecurity in the country.
The committee decided on the adoption of a motion by a member, Philip Agbese, who commended the military for their efforts.
Matawale spoke, yesterday when he appeared before the committee to defend his ministry’s budget for 2025.
Matawale told the committee that the sum of N50 billion allocated for the ministry in the 2025 budget was inadequate and appealed for an upward review, assuring them that with adequate funding, the problem of banditry would be addressed in two months.
He, however, promised that despite the limited resources, the ministry and the personnel would do their best to ensure the safety of all citizens.
Chairman of the Committee, Babajimi Benson, said the importance of the defence sector could not be overstated as it was the backbone of the nation’s security architecture, tasked with addressing diverse threats that challenge our peace and stability.
MEANWHILE, the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has said the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) requires N2.779 trillion to execute 149 projects aimed at tackling the country’s persistent electricity challenges.
Speaking at the National Assembly during a budget presentation, Adelabu highlighted the urgent need for funding of the projects as part of a comprehensive plan to modernise and expand the transmission network, expected to improve power supply reliability, reduce grid collapses, and enhance energy access across the nation.
“For the TCN alone, we will need about N2.779 trillion to enable us to execute the about 149 projects we are currently engaged in all over the country. Our total budget as a ministry is not even up to this, but as the saying goes ‘half loaf is better than none’. I’m telling you so that you can be aware of the kind of money that is needed in the ministry for us to address our electricity challenges. We need your cooperation and collaboration in achieving the mandate of Mr. President in electricity supply to Nigerians,” he said.
Related
Get the latest news delivered straight to your inbox every day of the week. Stay informed with the Guardian’s leading coverage of Nigerian and world news, business, technology and sports.
0 Comments
We will review and take appropriate action.