Obi faults exclusion of non-existent north-central development commission from 2025 budget

Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 elections, has criticised the federal government for omitting a non-existent North Central Development Commission (NCDC) from the 2025 budget proposal.

In a post published on X, Obi said the omission of the north-central commission undermines the need for balanced development and peace in the country.

In December 2024, President Bola Tinubu presented a proposed N49.7 trillion budget estimate to a joint session of the national assembly.

Analysis by TheCable Index shows that N2.493 trillion was budgeted for five development commissions.

Niger Delta Development Commission got N776.53 billion; North West Development Commission got N585.93 billion; N498.40 billion was earmarked for the South West Development Commission; South East Development Commission got N341.27 billion; and N290.99 billion was earmarked for North East Development Commission.

The commissions were established by an act of parliament to facilitate development in geopolitical zones. Nigeria has six geopolitical zones.

‘NATIONAL ASSEMBLY SHOULD REVIEW THE OMISSION’

Obi, a former governor of Anambra state, asked the national assembly to review and rectify the omission of the north-central commission.

“The exclusion of the North Central Regional Commission from the budgetary allocations provided to other Regional Commissions in the 2025 proposed budget is deeply troubling and must be urgently reversed,” the statement reads.

“Such an anomaly does not make for even development and peace that is needed for progress in the country.

“The North Central region requires special attention due to the severe challenges it faces today.

“Relentless terror attacks and banditry in Plateau, Benue, Kogi, and Niger States have caused immense suffering, resulting in significant loss of lives and forcing countless families into internally displaced persons (IDP) camps.

“These persistent tragedies have made the North Central one of the most affected and vulnerable regions in Nigeria.

“Known as the agricultural backbone of the nation, the North Central region deserves robust support to enhance security, stability, and development for the benefit of the entire country.

“I, therefore, call on the government and National Assembly to urgently review and rectify this decision that will impact negatively on the region and area most needed for the development of the country.”

HAS THE NORTH CENTRAL DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION BEEN CREATED?

The north-central geopolitical zone comprises Benue, Kogi, Kwara, Nasarawa, Niger, Plateau and the federal capital territory (FCT).

In February 2024, a group known as the North Central Development Initiative (NCDI) urged the government to establish a development commission for the north-central zone to address the challenges in the region.

In May 2024, governors and the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the north-central called for the establishment of a development commission for the zone.

In July 2024, the senate passed the bill to establish the NCDC.

The bill was sponsored by Musa Sani, senator representing Niger east; and Abba Morro who represents Benue south.

The bill is yet to scale a third reading at the house of representatives.

The bill for the creation of the north-central commission has not been sent to the president for assent.