Senate Summons Ministers Over Inadequate Funding for NIMC in 2025 Budget

Senate Committee Summons Ministers Over Poor Allocation to NIMC in 2025 Budget

The Senate Committee on Population has summoned the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, alongside the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Bagudu, over the inadequate budgetary allocation to the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) in the proposed 2025 budget.

Also expected to appear before the committee on a yet-to-be-announced date is the Director-General of the Budget Office of the Federation, Mr. Tanimu Yakubu.

The committee’s summon follows lawmakers’ concerns over the allocation of ₦15.228 billion to NIMC, a figure they argue demonstrates a lack of commitment by the Federal Government to address national security challenges.

During a meeting with the committee, NIMC’s Director-General, Engr. Bisoye Coker-Odusote, disclosed that the commission received only ₦312 million for capital expenditure in 2024, out of which just ₦98 million was accessible. She noted the dire financial constraints faced by the agency, which operates offices in all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Senators criticized the insufficient funding for an agency critical to national identity management, with committee members expressing dismay over its ability to function effectively under such constraints.

Committee Chairman, Senator Ahmed Abdul Ningi, highlighted the challenges NIMC faces in registering Nigerians abroad.

“This is an agency expected to register Nigerians in the diaspora. I don’t know how much they will need to operate in places like London, Japan, the U.S., the Netherlands, and other European countries. Yet, they are grossly underfunded,” he said.

Senator Ningi further criticized the Ministry of Finance, stating, “I am very sure those who prepared this budget, including the Minister of Finance, do not understand the critical role of this agency. When I visited NIMC, I noticed the personnel looked gloomy. That, for me, confirms my fears.”

Engr. Coker-Odusote explained that the commission had repeatedly submitted reports and memos regarding its funding challenges but had yet to see significant action taken.

“We have consistently raised concerns about the agency’s financial struggles. Unfortunately, up to this moment, nothing has been done,” she said.

The committee also expressed frustration with the Budget Office’s failure to prioritize NIMC, warning of the potential security risks posed by the agency’s underfunding.

“This has serious implications for national security. Yet, someone in the Budget Office, who probably knows little about the agency’s importance, decided to allocate just ₦312 million,” a committee member remarked.

The Senate Committee reiterated its commitment to ensuring that NIMC receives adequate funding to fulfill its mandate, emphasizing the agency’s pivotal role in securing Nigeria’s identity management system.