The House of Representatives Committee on Agricultural Colleges and Institutions has directed all institutions under its jurisdiction to submit evidence of their internally generated revenue (IGR) within 24 hours.

Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Abiodun Akinlade, who gave the directive on Tuesday, warned that the 2026 budget defence of any institution that fails to comply would be suspended.

Akinlade stressed that budget defence should not be treated as a routine annual exercise, but as a critical process with direct implications for the welfare of Nigerians.

“Budget defence is a universal practice in all democracies where ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) present their budget proposals to the legislature for scrutiny and approval.

“Until such approval is granted by Parliament, MDAs are not permitted to spend. This is why it is often said that the power of the purse rests with the legislature,” he said.

He explained that agencies appearing before the Committee were expected to justify their budget proposals by providing details on the implementation of the 2025 budget, as well as the projections and priorities contained in their 2026 estimates.

“We expect agencies to speak freely. We are representatives and partners in progress, all working towards making our country better,” Akinlade added.

The Committee also expressed concern over the non-release of capital funds to the agencies in 2025.

According to Akinlade, “The capital released to these agencies was zero throughout 2025, and this has significantly affected their performance. We appeal to the executive to ensure that capital funds are adequately released to enable these institutions to function effectively.”