Ogona Anita
The presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has criticized the omission of the North Central Development Commission (NCDC) in the proposed 2025 budget. He called the exclusion concerning and urged that the budget be revised to include provisions for the NCDC.
In a statement released on Wednesday, Obi expressed concern that the NCDC region was left out of the budgetary allocations given to other regional development commissions in the 2025 budget proposal. He called for this decision to be urgently addressed, emphasizing that it would hinder the development and peace necessary for the nation’s progress.
Obi pointed out that while ₦2.493 trillion has been allocated to five regional development commissions, the North Central region was notably absent from this allocation. He highlighted the need for special attention to the region due to its ongoing security challenges.
“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,” Obi said.
Pushing the case for the NCDC to be included in the 2025 budget, Peter Obi emphasized the region’s agricultural significance and the need for government support to address security, stability, and development. He called on the National Assembly to urgently review and correct the exclusion of the NCDC from the 2025 budget.
“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,” Obi added.
He concluded by urging both the government and the National Assembly to work together to create a more inclusive and equitable Nigeria. “Together, we must work toward a more inclusive and equitable Nigeria,” Obi stated.
GIPHY App Key not set. Please check settings