Lawmakers halt review of tech agency’s 2026 budget proposal
The House of Representatives Committee on Science and Engineering has suspended review of the 2026 budget proposal for the National Centre for Technology Management, intensifying tensions with the agency’s leadership. Lawmakers expressed frustration over the absence of Director-General Dr Olushola Odusanya, who failed to appear and submit necessary documents. The committee, led by Inuwa Garba, also recommended the removal of the DG and deletion of the agency’s allocation from the 2026 Appropriation Bill. The development highlights ongoing friction between legislative committees and agency heads during budget cycles.
What we know
- The House committee stepped down the 2026 budget proposal for the National Centre for Technology Management due to the absence of its Director-General, Dr Olushola Odusanya.
- Lawmakers resolved to delete the agency’s allocation from the 2026 Appropriation Bill and called for the immediate removal of the DG.
- The committee was angered by the DG’s failure to appear and submit required documents for scrutiny.
- Inuwa Garba emphasized that no presidential appointee should ignore legislative invitations, especially during budget defence.
- Lawmakers also criticized the Nigerian Council of Food Science and Technology for low revenue and a sharp rise in overhead costs in its 2026 proposal.
