NDDC seeks reps approval for N1.74trn 2025 Budget

Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has formally presented its proposed 2025 budget of N1.74 trillion to the House of Representatives, seeking legislative consideration and approval.

The Managing Director of the commission, Mr. Samuel Ogbuku, submitted the budget to the House Committee on NDDC during a session in Abuja, describing it as a “Budget of Consolidation.”

Ogbuku explained that the proposed expenditure framework was based on conservative revenue assumptions and reflects a nine per cent reduction compared to the 2024 budget, largely due to the commission’s decision to adopt a no-borrowing approach.

According to him, the budget allocates N47.5 billion for personnel costs, while N96.4 billion is set aside for overhead expenses.

“For the 2025 budget, our main goal is to strengthen our foundation for sustainable economic growth, marking a shift from transactional to transformational approaches,” Ogbuku said.

“A key focus is sectoral funding allocation, moving away from line-item budgeting that hinders contractors from resuming projects,” he added.

The NDDC boss noted that strategic investments in critical infrastructure form a central pillar of the commission’s fiscal plan for 2025.

“The present management is re-navigating its process of intervention by adopting Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model as a vehicle to drive a sustainable development in the Niger Delta region,” he said.

“Our fiscal reforms shall introduce new performance management framework to regulate the overhead cost,” Ogbuku further stated.

Speaking in her response, the Chairman of the House Committee on NDDC, Rep. Henrietta Ibori (PDP–Delta), stressed that the significance of the commission’s budget could not be overstated, describing it as a critical instrument for delivering development to the Niger Delta.

According to her, the NDDC budget remains the primary channel through which the Federal Government addresses the region’s developmental challenges.

“For our communities, this budget represents hope, opportunity, and the promise of a better quality of life,” Ibori said.

She assured that the committee would not merely rubber-stamp the proposal but would subject it to detailed examination.

“As a committee, we recognise that our duty goes beyond mere approval, it is our responsibility to subject this budget to rigorous scrutiny,” she said.

“This is to ensure that every allocation translates into tangible outcomes for the people particularly with regards to infrastructure development, human capacity development, youth empowerment, and economic inclusion,” the lawmaker added.

Ibori further declared that the 2025 NDDC budget would depart from old practices, noting that it is designed to be people-focused and aligned with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

“This budget must speak directly to the aspirations of the Niger Delta people by addressing longstanding developmental gaps, fostering sustainable growth, and ensuring that no community is left behind,” she said.

She pledged the committee’s readiness to provide constructive and unwavering support to the commission, while insisting on accountability, transparency and value for money in the execution of all approved projects and programmes.