The Senate has urged the Federal Government to provide special funding for the Federal Ministry of Environment to address erosion, flooding, and other environmental challenges nationwide.
Chairman of the Senate Committee on Environment, Olubiyi Fadeyi, made the appeal on Thursday during the ministry’s defence of its 2026 budget proposal. He described the funds allocated annually to the ministry and its agencies as grossly inadequate to effectively confront the country’s growing environmental problems.
Fadeyi identified key areas requiring urgent intervention, including environmental management, erosion control, environmental health, forest conservation, pollution control, drainage management, and coastal flood mitigation. He stressed the importance of ensuring the timely release of appropriated funds to enable the ministry fulfil its mandate.
He called for stronger action on oil pollution, enforcement measures, clean-up technologies, and land protection initiatives. The senator also emphasised the need to intensify efforts in shoreline protection, afforestation, land reclamation, agricultural land restoration, and broader climate adaptation measures.
Fadeyi underscored the importance of Nigeria meeting its environmental and climate-related obligations, noting that compliance would help unlock international climate financing and strengthen global partnerships. He reaffirmed the committee’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and effective oversight to ensure environmental protection and adherence to climate guidelines.
Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal, said the ministry remains committed to promoting a healthy environment and sustainable natural resource use. He explained that the 2026 budget proposal reflects public needs, the current administration’s agenda, and the national development plan, aligning with the priorities of Bola Tinubu, particularly in sustainable energy development and agricultural expansion for food security.
Lawal noted that the ministry is working to tackle critical challenges affecting Nigeria’s forests and is awaiting the release of funds for several capital projects. He added that the ministry has launched initiatives such as installing solar-powered boreholes and streetlights across the country, as well as implementing flood control measures, especially in flood-prone northern regions.
According to the minister, the 2026 budget proposal largely carries forward projects initiated in 2025.e 2026 budget estimate is a roll-over of most projects in 2025.
