Highlight : Ministry of Regional Development Budget Defence 2025(Video)

Highlight : Ministry of Regional Development Budget Defence 2025(Video)

Recently, the Minister of Regional Development, Engr. Abubakar Momoh, FNSE, alongside the Minister of State, Uba Maigari Ahmadu, and the Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Tinuke Watti, appeared before a joint session of the National Assembly to defend the ministry’s 2025 budget proposal. This session was chaired by Senator Ipinsagba Olajide, with Hon. Eugene Okechukwu Dibiagwu serving as the Co-Chairman from the House of Representatives.

The ministry presented a budget ceiling of 28.9 billion naira, comprising:

• 24 billion naira for capital projects,
• 1.6 billion naira for recurrent expenditure, and
• 2.7 billion naira for personnel costs.

However, the minister expressed concerns regarding the allocation. He noted that despite the ministry’s expanded mandate from the Niger Delta Development Ministry to the broader scope of Regional Development, the budget has seen no significant increase compared to last year’s allocation. This has left the ministry grappling with inadequate funding and a growing burden of outstanding liabilities.

Looking ahead, the ministry outlined key plans under the 2025 budget, which include:

• Youth, women, and capacity-building programs,
• Livelihood support initiatives,
• Medical outreach to rural communities,
• The completion of all ongoing projects,
• Addressing the high incidence of abandoned projects, and
• Prioritizing projects with the highest impact for regional development.

In his plea to the committee, Engr. Abubakar Momoh called for additional funding to ensure the ministry can meet its objectives effectively and drive meaningful development across the regions.

The session underscored the critical role of the Ministry of Regional Development in improving lives and boosting economic activities in underserved areas. With adequate funding and support, these initiatives promise to deliver significant progress for millions of Nigerians.

Stay tuned for more updates. This is Osigwe Omo-Ikirodah , reporting.