Reps call for review of annual budgetary allocation to NOA

The House of Representatives on Tuesday underscored the need for an upward review of the annual budgetary allocation to the National Orientation Agency (NOA) in the bid to improve Citizens’ orientation.

The resolution was passed sequel to the adoption of a motion sponsored by Hon. Adewale Hammed who harped on the need for a comprehensive re-orientation of citizens on national values, encouraging a growth mindset, and promoting the spirit of unity and patriotism.

“The House also notes that the National Orientation Agency of Nigeria was established in 1993 with a clear mandate to promote civic responsibility and orient Nigerians on national values.

“The House further notes that the Agency is empowered to among others, propagate the need to eschew all vices in public life, promote dignity of labour and consumption of local products and establish social institutions for fostering national integration.

“The House again notes that the Agency has an elaborate grassroots structure and extensive reach to the majority of Nigerians in all 36 States of the Federation including the Federal Capital Territory, and 774 Local Government Areas, it serves as a veritable tool for citizen mobilization and engagement.

“The House is aware that the budgetary allocation for the Agency in the Appropriation Act, 2024 is N8,819,470,967 only

“The House is concerned that the existing funding provided for the Agency is grossly inadequate to meet the extensive responsibilities of the agency and its offices across the nation.

“The House is also concerned that given the prevailing trend of youth restiveness and social vices in the nation, there is definitely an urgent need to implement measures for effective reorientation of citizens to curb vices, re-orient the people and encourage growth within our society.

“The House is cognizant that the current youth restiveness and social vices in the nation necessitate urgent measures for effective reorientation to curb these vices and promote societal growth.”

In the bid to improve its efficiency, the House urged Federal Government to review the budgetary allocation of the National Orientation Agency in line with current realities in subsequent budget estimates to enable successful re-orientation of citizens.

The lawmakers also urged National Orientation Agency to increase visibility across all media platforms and put out more engaging content that will project federal government policies to the people and also expose the citizens to government initiatives that can be beneficial to them as well as collaborate with relevant stakeholders, including Ministries, Departments and Agencies, Traditional Institutions, Religious Bodies, Community Leaders, Civil Society Organizations, and the Fourth Estate of the Realm to amplify outreach efforts and enhance the effectiveness of public enlightenment campaigns for the wholistic development of our beloved country.

To this end, the House mandated the joint committees on Information, National Orientation, Ethics and Values to conduct a thorough oversight and recommend appropriate measures that will enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of the Agency for improved service delivery and report within four weeks for further legislative action.

ALSO READ THESE TOP STORIES FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE 

CBN reaffirms safety of depositors’ funds, commitment to financial system stability