Over 65% of Agric Ministry Budget Not Related to Food Security, Agriculture – Ita Enang

Former Presidential Aide on National Assembly Matters, Senator Ita Enang, expressed concerns about the budget of the Ministry of Agriculture and its alignment with food security and agricultural development in Nigeria.

According to Enang, more than 65% of the budget is not related to these critical areas.

Enang attributed this misalignment to the rushed process of signing the 2024 budget, which did not allow President Tinubu to consult with his special advisers, ministers, and other key officials.

He emphasized the need for a more thorough examination of the budget to ensure it aligns with the President’s agenda and the needs of the agricultural sector.

The former presidential aide also highlighted the importance of the Senate and House of Representatives in maintaining unity and coherence in the legislative process.

He called on the Senate to prioritize the country’s unity and to avoid regional divisions, which could hamper progress in addressing crucial issues like food security and agriculture.

In addition to the Ministry of Agriculture, Enang pointed out that the budget of the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy also lacks provisions relevant to the sector, such as harvesting fish and leveraging the resources of the blue economy.

He urged the legislature and the executive to take these concerns into account and ensure that the budget is properly aligned with the needs of the country.

As Nigeria continues to grapple with issues related to food security and agricultural development,