The Federal Ministry of Environment has outlined plans to spend over N58 billion in 2025 on efforts to preserve the environment, alongside a provision of N248 million for miscellaneous expenses.
The ministry was allocated the sum of N64.2 billion out of which, 3,090,385,457 is for personnel, 723,960,033 Overhead, and 59,995,140,982 for capital in 2025.
This is detailed in the ministry’s budget proposal, currently awaiting approval from the National Assembly.
Of the total allocation for preservation, N39.3 billion has been earmarked for tree planting, an initiative to combat deforestation and promote reforestation across the country.
Another N10.2 billion will be directed toward erosion and flood control, addressing pressing environmental challenges such as land degradation and water management.
When compared to the 2024 budget, which allocated N1.6 billion for tree planting and N4.2 billion for erosion and flood control, totaling N9.6 billion for environmental preservation, this year’s budget represents a significant increase of 312.5 percent.
While this could reflect a greater commitment to tackling environmental issues, it might also indicate a decline in tree planting activities last year or the insufficiency of funds to address 2024’s challenges, prompting the need for a larger budget in 2025.
This substantial increase calls for a thorough evaluation of last year’s tree-planting efforts, assessing how effectively they have mitigated the effects of climate change.
A follow-up on the impact of the previous initiative is essential, and there is a need to ensure that the proposed 2025 project for tree planting when approved is properly implemented to achieve the desired environmental benefits.
The budget also allocates N248.8 million for miscellaneous expenditures, which include N6.5 million for refreshments and meals, N5 million for publicity and advertisements, and N190 million for welfare packages.
Other items under this category include N500,000 for postage and courier services and N15.8 million for sporting activities. Operational expenses make up a significant portion of the ministry’s budget, with N983.5 million allocated for overhead costs.
This includes N185.6 million for general travel and transport, N65.6 million for travel related to training, and N25 million for other local travel.
Additional expenditures include N58.1 million for electricity charges, N105.5 million for office stationeries and computer consumables, N30 million for maintaining motor vehicles, and N20 million for office buildings.
The ministry also plans to spend N60 million on cleaning and fumigation services and N55 million on security charges.
