National Assembly says it will improve 2026 budget funding for the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, citing inadequate allocation and election-year responsibilities.

The National Assembly has reaffirmed its commitment to improving budgetary allocations for the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation to enhance its operations and public communication mandate.

Chairman of the National Assembly Joint Committee on Information and National Orientation, Sen. Kenneth Eze, gave the assurance during the ministry’s 2026 budget defence session in Abuja.

Eze described the ministry and its agencies as indispensable to Nigeria’s socio-economic and political development, stressing that the committee would work to ensure adequate funding and proper release of appropriated funds.

He also assured that the committee would prioritise accountability, transparency and probity in the utilisation of public funds.

The chairman said challenges encountered in implementing the 2025 Appropriation Act led to the retention of 30 per cent of the capital component for 2025 and a 70 per cent rollover to the 2026 proposal.

He noted that reforms had been introduced to block revenue leakages and reposition the country’s budget system to better support the 2026 appropriation.

Also speaking, Rep. Olusola Fatoba, Joint Chairman of the committee, said members unanimously agreed in a closed session that the funds earmarked for the ministry and its agencies in the 2026 budget were inadequate.

Fatoba said the committee would engage the leadership of the National Assembly and the executive arm to push for improved allocations, particularly as the country approaches an election year.

CBI News reports that he emphasised the ministry’s responsibilities in information dissemination and public sensitisation require stronger financial backing to meet national expectations.