The House of Representatives Committee on Environment has frowned at what it describes as an abysmally low release of funds to the Ministry of Environment.
This it says has led to several missed opportunities to address environmental challenges facing the country.
Speaking at the budget defence of the Ministry, the Chairman of the Committee, Julius Pondi listed such environmental challenges as deforestation, pollution, erosion, and the effects of climate change on the various communities, and the nation at large.
Pondi said the outcome of the budget review will set the tone for planning and resource allocation in the 2025 Budget.
He also expressed concern that the Environmental Health Council of Nigeria, EHCON, which was among 13 professional bodies removed from budgetary allocations effective 1st January 2024 is the only one yet to be reinstated.
Pondi told the Minister of Environment to work closely with the Committee to ensure that EHCON is reinstated.
The Minister of Environment, Abbas Lawal disclosed that the Ministry installed about 2,200 units of solar street lights in communities and 45 solar powered boreholes to provide clean water for the people.