The House of Representatives committee on Rural Development led by Rep. Adebutu Oladipupo on Monday talked tough as its engaged the Federal Ministry of Water Resources on the utilisation of N53.3billion approved for various projects in the 2016 fiscal year.
According to the Minister of Water Resources, Engr. Suleiman Adamu, the sum of N92.5billion was proposed for the year 2017.
Worried by the incoherence in the itemization of projects and the proper sum allocated to each of the projects in the documents submitted to the Committee, the lawmakers who resolved to step down the consideration of the budget, directed the Minister to reappear 12noon next week Tuesday.
The members queried the Minister over some of the carry over projects from either 2015 and 2016 budgets.
The committee adopted a resolution when Rep. Odeneye Kehinde from Ogun state raised concern about the Ekeremo water project embarked upon by the ministry in the previous budgets which was suppose to have a balance of N103million outstanding for work to be completed rather it was brought forward in the 2017 budget which showed an increment of N200million difference over N100million before the said project can be completed.
Other lawmakers also complained of similar discrepancies in the documents the Hon Minister presented before the committee.
However, this development raised a lot of questions and suspicion amongst the members and they unanimously agreed that the minister, Suleiman should comeback for further clarification.
Nonetheless, Rep. Adebutu Oladipupo applauded the Hon. Minister for for reintroducing rural extension services which he said when implemented will be of immerse benefit to farmers.
The chairman speaking further, acknowledged the efforts put in place by the ministry in revatalizing the Niger River Basin Development Authority which will also boost the agricultural sector.
Whilst responding, Suleiman Adamu said his ministry is delighted by the support and encouragement its gets from the committee and promised to follow the core mandate of the Niger Basin Development which is to make water available for farmers across the country.
waking up to its responsibility and support for the agricultural sector through the extension services.
According to him,"we want to bring back extension services to River Basin Authority, With time the River Basin Authority will wake up to its responsibility and support Agriculture as well. In the last 16 years River Basin deviated from its primary responsibility which is to embark on projects that support irrigation and agricultural activities. They were involved in building schools and solar street lights etc", Adamu stated.
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