The Minister of Regional Development, Abubakar Momoh, faced tough questions on Tuesday from members of the Joint Senate and House of Representatives Committee on Regional Development over alleged lopsidedness in the Ministry’s 2024 budget. The Minister, accompanied by the Minister of State, Uba Maigari, was summoned to defend the budget performance for 2024 and present the proposal for 2025.
During the session, lawmakers expressed concern about what they described as an inequitable allocation of projects favouring Edo State. Hon. Matthew Nwogu questioned the rationale for concentrating 70% of the Ministry’s 2024 budget projects in Edo State, noting that other regions had been sidelined. Hon. Chinedu Ogar echoed the sentiment, stating that the 2025 budget proposal also disproportionately allocated projects to the state.
In his defense, Minister Momoh explained that N20 billion had been earmarked for the Ministry’s capital budget in 2024, of which N2 billion was reserved for zonal intervention projects spearheaded by House Leader Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, who hails from Edo State. He added that a similar allocation was included in the 2025 budget proposal, which totals N28.9 billion, comprising N24 billion for capital projects, N2.7 billion for personnel costs, and N1.6 billion for overhead expenses.
The Minister admitted that the Ministry faced significant challenges in addressing the developmental needs of all regions. He cited issues such as abandoned projects, inflation-induced cost escalations, and contractors’ refusal to return to sites due to unpaid debts. He revealed that some projects originally requiring N5 billion for completion now demand as much as N70 billion.
Despite the criticism, the chairman of the Senate Committee on Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Olajide Ipinsagba, lauded the transformation of the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs into the Ministry of Regional Development. He described the change as a landmark decision that broadens the Ministry’s mandate to promote inclusive development across the country.
House Committee Chairman Eugene Okechukwu urged the Ministry to ensure equitable distribution of projects, warning that favouritism could undermine national unity. He commended President Bola Tinubu’s vision for regional development and pledged legislative support to secure adequate funding for the Ministry’s initiatives.
