NDDC : House Demands People-Centred 2025 Budget

The House of Representatives Committee on the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, has urged the commission to ensure that its proposed 2025 budget delivers tangible benefits to communities across the Niger Delta.

The Chairman of the Committee, Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu, who made the call during the NDDC’s budget defence at the National Assembly, said the budget remains the federal government’s primary tool for addressing development challenges in the oil-producing region.

She said lawmakers would closely scrutinise the spending plan to ensure it addresses long-standing infrastructure and socio-economic gaps.

The committee said its focus would include infrastructure development, youth empowerment, human capital development and economic inclusion.

“This budget must be people-centred and aligned with the Renewed Hope Agenda,” and that accountability and transparency would guide the committee’s oversight. She said

NDDC Managing Director Samuel Ogbuku told lawmakers that the commission had adopted a more transformational approach to development, moving away from line-item budgeting.

He said the proposed 2025 budget was developed through consultations with stakeholders and prioritises youth empowerment, entrepreneurship and infrastructure development.

Ogbuku also reviewed the performance of the 2024 budget, saying actual revenue exceeded projections following an extension of the budget cycle.

For 2025, the commission is proposing a budget of 1.75 trillion naira, a 9% reduction from the previous year, with allocations for personnel, overheads and capital projects.

He said the budget, themed the “Budget of Consolidation,” would focus on sector-based funding and public-private partnerships to drive sustainable growth in the Niger Delta.

Oduyemi Odometer, Edited By Grace Namiji