N1.75trn NDDC budget must deliver tangible benefits for Niger Delta – Ibori-Suenu

The House of Representatives Committee on the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has said the Commission’s proposed N1.75 trillion 2025 budget should translate into visible and measurable development outcomes for communities across the Niger Delta. Chairperson of the Committee, Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu, made the remark on Tuesday during the NDDC’s budget defence session at the National […]

The House of Representatives Committee on the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has said the Commission’s proposed N1.75 trillion 2025 budget should translate into visible and measurable development outcomes for communities across the Niger Delta.

Chairperson of the Committee, Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu, made the remark on Tuesday during the NDDC’s budget defence session at the National Assembly, noting that the legislature would give the proposal thorough consideration.

According to her, the budget presents an opportunity to advance development in the oil-producing region and should therefore prioritise transparency, efficiency and alignment with national development goals.

“The NDDC budget represents hope, opportunity and the prospect of improved living conditions for our people,” Ibori-Suenu said. “Every component of the budget must be purposeful and aligned with the Renewed Hope Agenda. The Committee will focus on accountability, transparency and value for money.”

She explained that the House would carefully review the 2025 budget to ensure it delivers results in key areas such as infrastructure development, human capacity building, youth empowerment and economic inclusion.

While acknowledging ongoing reform initiatives within the Commission, the Committee Chair said legislative support would be guided by performance and verifiable outcomes.

“The people of the Niger Delta expect projects that directly improve their daily lives,” she said, adding that the House would maintain oversight to support effective budget implementation.

Earlier, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the NDDC, Mr. Samuel Ogbuku, presented the Commission’s N1.75 trillion 2025 budget proposal, tagged “Budget of Consolidation.” He described the proposal as part of a transition toward a more results-oriented development framework.

Ogbuku said the budget aligns with the reform agenda of the current management and the Renewed Hope Agenda of Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

He noted that the Commission adopted a no-borrowing approach, leading to a nine per cent reduction compared to the 2024 budget.

According to him, personnel costs are projected at N47.5 billion, overheads at N96.4 billion, while capital expenditure accounts for the largest share of the proposal.

The Managing Director also disclosed that the Commission has shifted from line-item budgeting to sector-based allocations to improve efficiency and reduce delays in project execution.

Reviewing the Commission’s 2024 financial performance, Ogbuku said the NDDC recorded N1.945 trillion in actual revenue, exceeding the projected N1.911 trillion.

The session concluded with commitments from both lawmakers and the Commission’s management to strengthen collaboration toward achieving sustainable development and inclusive growth in the Niger Delta.