The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has been assigned by the House of Representatives with prioritising key projects that will benefit the people of Niger Delta.
Tunji Ojo, Chairman of the House Committee on NDDC, issued the charge when the interventionist agency’s administration came before the committee to present its consolidated budget for 2021, 2022, and 2023. Ojo stated that the legislature will keep the commission on its toes to ensure it fulfils its duty.
According to him, the Niger Delta region is hungry for development, hence it is imperative for the NDDC to meet the expectation of the people.
“You need to implement critical projects that will add value to our people. The people are in need of renewed hope and this should be provided. When we need to stand against you we will and when we need to cooperate with you we will not hesitate. The overall good of the region is our priority.
“The people are hungry for development not ego fight, blame game or bulk passing. The people of the region need hope, we can’t afford to lose this,” Ojo stated.
The NDDC managing director, Samuel Ogbukwu, while addressing the committee said the agency was proposing a consolidated budget of
N2.28 trillion for 2021, 2022 and 2023. Ogbukwu explained that an aggregate expenditure of N485.7 billion is proposed for the commission in 2021, N928.2 billion in 2022 and N876 billion for 2023.
According to him, the proposed
budget christened: “Budget of Rewind to Rebirth” is based on assumptions of revenue from revenue brought forward, federal government contribution, unpaid arrears and recoveries by Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), ecological fund, oil companies contribution and other realised income.