FG rejects Ecological Fund Regulation Bill

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, on Wednesday expressed opposition to the Ecological Fund Regulation Bill.

Speaking in Abuja at a public hearing on the bill, organized by the House Committee on Ecological Fund, he said some of the provisions in the bill might conflict with some established laws and mandates of some agencies.

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He said if passed, the bill would also interfere with the powers of the president to deal with ecological emergencies as it seeks to subject the Fund to appropriation subjected to National Assembly’s approvals.

The SGF, represented by the Director, Pollution Control, Ministry of Environment, Igwe Clinton, said: “The bill as proposed will replace the emergency/interventionist posture of the Ecological Fund Office as presently constituted. This will by implication slow down the quick response in dealing with erosion problems in Nigeria.

“The Ecological Fund as presently constituted is not subject to the process of appropriation by the National Assembly.

“If the bill is passed into law as proposed, it’ll impede on Mr. President’s power to use the Fund for emergencies because it has to revert to the National Assembly for appropriation and approvals,” he said.

However, the chairman of the committee, Ibrahim Ayokunle Isiaka, said the bill was “not intended to alter what is on ground, but an attempt to provide a more transparent and strong operational framework.

“This bill seeks to provide oxygen/life, insulate and crave space for effective utilisation of the Fund and it’ll not in any way vitiate or alter the already established structure, both line and staff.”