NAN-AE-5
Funds
By Vivian Emoni
Abuja, Dec. 20, 2016 (NAN) The Society for the Promotion of People`s Right, (SPPR), an NGO, has appealed to the Federal Government to allocate more money for the environment and agriculture sectors.
Mr William Osaze, the President of the organisation, made the appeal in Abuja on Tuesday in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
Ozase said this when reacting to the 2017 Budget proposals presented to the National Assembly on Wednesday by President Muhammadu Buhari.
He said that the measure would go a long way in improving the environment and enhancing agricultural production in the country.
According to him, the allocation to environment and agriculture is low considering the extent of damages in the sectors.
“This year, farmers in various states suffered series of crises and other challenges causing low productivity in food production and that also affected the environment.
“That is the major reason while the government should ensure that the two sectors are given appropriate attention in the budget.
“We all know that agriculture goes with environment and when both sectors are not given adequate priority, there will be a problem in our economy,’’ he said.
Osaze said that the government should lay serious emphasis on agriculture and environment sectors to enhance the nation`s development.
He also urged the government to put more efforts in the reduction of vehicular emission, adding that this had caused about 60 per cent of air pollution in the country.
“The allocation to the sectors is low and it also means that implementation of projects and programmes will not be effective, because without adequate funding, effective functioning will be difficult.
“The collaboration of relevant stakeholders by concerned government agencies to advance sensitisation on the impact of climate change involves sufficient funds.
“So, this is the more reason why the sectors need sufficient funds and support to ensure that projects are implemented appropriately. ‘’ (NAN)
VOE/MOL/MO
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Edited by Mustapha Lamidi/Morayo Omolade
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