The Budget Office of the Federation, under the Ministry of Budget and National Planning, has announced that it will no longer provide budgetary allocations for professional bodies and councils as part of the federal government’s efforts to reduce spending. The decision, approved by the Presidential Committee on Salaries (PCS), was communicated through a memo dated June 26, 2023, to the Nigerian Council of Food Science and Technology (NiCFoST).
The memo stated that the budget office would discontinue budgetary allocations to professional bodies and councils, making them self-funded organizations. Starting from the specified date, these institutions would be responsible for their personnel, overhead, and capital expenditures. The full implementation of the directive is expected by December 31, 2026.
Professional bodies in Nigeria play a crucial role in research and technology development within their respective fields. They rely on government funding to conduct ethical reviews, propose new professional standards, and promote advancements. The withdrawal of funding raises concerns about potential gaps in standards and development, as weak and loosely enforced government regulations may replace the support previously provided.
The Nigerian Council of Food Science and Technology (NiCFoST), established in 2019 by an act of parliament, sets the requirements for individuals seeking registration as members of the food science and technology profession. The council is responsible for maintaining a register of qualified professionals in the field. While the council has focused on delivering quality output rather than seeking profit, the discontinuation of budgetary allocation may force them to increase fees for obtaining approvals and licenses.
The impact of this decision on other professional bodies and councils that rely on government funding remains to be seen. It is expected that they will need to explore alternative sources of funding to sustain their activities and bridge the gap in research and technology development in their respective sectors.
“The purpose of this letter therefore is to inform you that, in compliance with PCS’s directive, this office will no longer make budgetary provisions to your institution with effect from the above-stated date and, you will be regarded as a self-funded organisation,” the letter stated.
It added, “For the avoidance of doubt, you will be required, effective 31 December 2026, to be fully responsible for your personnel, overhead, and capital expenditures.”
