The Senate has called for enhanced funding and strategic reforms for the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies as part of deliberations on the Institute’s 2026 budget proposal, underscoring its critical role in shaping Nigeria’s leadership and policy direction. The position was made known during the 2026 budget defence session before the Senate Committee on Federal Character and Inter-Governmental Affairs, where the Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the Institute, Ayo Omotayo, presented a proposed budget of ₦4,016,023,688 for the fiscal year.
Chairman of the Committee, Allwell Onyesoh, emphasised the need for improved financial support to enable the Institute to effectively implement its programmes, sustain institutional reforms, and maintain its strategic contributions to national development. He noted that as Nigeria’s foremost policy think tank, the Institute must be adequately resourced to fulfil its mandate of grooming high-level policymakers and strengthening strategic governance capacity.
The Committee commended the Institute’s ongoing reform efforts despite prevailing fiscal constraints and encouraged its leadership to remain steadfast in consolidating institutional standards and expanding policy impact.
A key highlight of the deliberations was the Senate’s call for a review of the Institute’s age criteria for admission into its programmes. Onyesoh advocated greater inclusivity to allow younger Nigerians with strong intellectual and leadership potential to participate in policy and strategic development training.
While stressing the importance of preserving the Institute’s long-standing traditions and rigorous standards, the Committee maintained that broadening access would foster generational renewal and inject fresh perspectives into national policy conversations.
The session formed part of the broader 2026 budget review exercise involving key federal institutions, including the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation. However, discussions around the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies drew particular attention given its pivotal role in training senior public officials, military officers, and private sector leaders for higher responsibilities in governance and national planning.
The Senate assured continued legislative oversight and collaboration to strengthen the Institute’s capacity to deliver on its mandate in the coming fiscal year.
Other members of the Committee in attendance included the Senate Minority Leader, Abba Moro, alongside Adams Oshiomhole, Victor Umeh, Amos Yohanna, Binos Yaroe, Kelvin Chukwu, Osita Ngwu, as well as the Vice Chairman of the Committee.
