NDDC Presents N1.75 Proposed 2025 Budget To Reps

By Alkassim Bala Tsakuwa, Abuja

The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has presented N1.75 trillion budget estimates to the House of Representatives Committee on NDDC for the 2025 fiscal year.

The Budget estimate was presented by the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (MD/CEO) of the Commission, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku on Tuesday.

According to him, the NDDC proposed 2025 budget was aimed at consolidating ongoing reforms and accelerating sustainable development in the Niger Delta region.

He stressed that, the proposed budget tagged “Budget of Consolidation” was a testament of the Commission’s transition from transactional to transformational governance, with priority on infrastructure development, youth capacity building, entrepreneurship support and improved service delivery.

Dr. Ogbuku commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu; the Supervising Minister of Regional Development, Engr. Abubakar Momoh, and the National Assembly for their continued support and oversight.

While giving a review of the Commission’s 2024 budget performance, he informed that an aggregate revenue of N1.911 trillion was projected, comprising N76.77 billion for overhead costs and N1.820 trillion for capital expenditure.

The MD/CEO however informed that, as of October 31, 2025, the actual revenue stood at N1.945 trillion, exceeding the target due to the extension of the 2024 budget implementation to December 31, 2025.

He further informed that, the 2025 budget represents a 9% reduction from the 2024 estimates, driven by a no-borrowing approach and a renewed emphasis on fiscal discipline.

He disclosed that, Personnel cost was estimated at N47.5 billion, while overhead cost was projected at N96.4 billion.

The NDDC helmsman said the capital expenditure would focus on critical infrastructure across the Niger Delta, with the Commission adopting Public-Private Partnership (PPP) models to enhance efficiency and sustainability.

He added that new performance management frameworks would be introduced to regulate overhead spending, ensuring that only activities tied to measurable programmes are approved.

He expressed confidence that the fiscal plan would deepen development impact and strengthen the Commission’s role in the region.

He commended the House of Representatives for its patriotic resolve to collaborate with the Commission in promoting inclusive growth and improving the welfare of Niger Delta communities and assured the lawmakers that, the NDDC management is committed to transparency, accountability and effective project delivery.

In her address earlier, the Chairman, House Committee on NDDC, Hon. Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu, welcomed the NDDC management and commended members of the committee for their commitment to the development of the Niger Delta region through their efforts.

She noted that, the NDDC budget as a critical vehicle through which the Federal Government delivers development to the region, noting that for many communities, it represents hope, opportunity and the promise of a better quality of life.

Hon. Ibori-Suenu stressed that the committee’s responsibility goes beyond budget approval, emphasizing the need for rigorous scrutiny to ensure that allocations translate into tangible outcomes, particularly in infrastructure development, human capital growth, property development, youth empowerment and economic inclusion.

She stressed that the 2025 NDDC budget would not be “business as usual,” as every line item must be purposeful, people-centred and aligned with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Federal Government.

According to her, the budget must address long-standing developmental gaps, promote sustainable growth and ensure that no community in the Niger Delta is left behind.

The committee chairman assured the Commission of the House’s continued constructive support, while also demanding accountability, transparency and value for money in the execution of approved projects and programmes.

She expressed optimism that the budget defence would be robust and productive, and wished participants a happy and prosperous new year.