North central commission says its 2025 budget proposal still before n’assembly

The North Central Development Commission (NCDC) says its N140 billion budget proposal for 2025 is still undergoing legislative scrutiny.

The senate committee on the NCDC approved the agency’s 2025 budgetary proposal of N140 billion on September 30.

The commission said media reports on the breakdown of allocations did not reflect adjustments made during deliberations with the senate committee.

A statement signed by James Uloko, executive director of corporate services, said the final figures would only be determined after the house of representatives committee on NCDC concludes its own scrutiny.

Uloko said the commission, which was established barely a month ago, defended its budget proposal before the senate on Tuesday.

He said the senate committee scrutinised the submission in both open and closed sessions, after which clarifications were given and observations made.

“The final budget approved will only be determined when the house of representatives committee on NCDC carries out its legislative scrutiny and concurs with the senate, where the final figures and line distributions will be authenticated and released,” he said.

The commission described the proposal as a working document that would only take effect after the national assembly concludes its processes.

Uloko assured stakeholders that the NCDC would “operate transparently and in line with financial regulations” while working with states in the geopolitical zone and the FCT.

He added that the NCDC will engage in “thorough” needs assessment and consultations to ensure equity and inclusivity in implementing projects.