The House of Representatives Committee on Culture has expressed reservation over low budgetary allocation to the Culture and Tourism Ministry over the years.
Rep. Omoregie Ogbeide-Ihama, the Chairman of the committee said this in Abuja on Tuesday at the 2023 budget defence for agencies under the ministry.
He said that the sector has potential of generating foreign exchange for the country, if properly harnessed.
According to him, the Qatar world cup commencing later this month is a typical example of how a well funded culture and Tourism sub sector can project a country to limelight.
“That the Qatari culture and tourism department is the arrowhead of the 2022 mondial is due to the fact that it is well funded,” he said.
He urged the Federal Government to strive hard to increase the ministry’s funding for better performance.
The committee also passed a motion to embark on oversight of all departments and agencies under its purview before engaging them on budget defence.
The committee took the decision when it became apparent that none of the agencies that turned up for the exercise met the criteria for appearance.