Nigerian Senate gives green light to N1.7 trillion budget allocation for NDDC in 2025

The Senate gave its approval for the Niger Delta Development Commission's 2025 statutory budget, which totals N1,750,923,400,137.15, on Wednesday.

This budget encompasses various allocations, including N47.57 billion for personnel expenditure, N49.93 billion for overhead costs, and N22.36 billion for internal capital expenditure, as well as a substantial N1.63 trillion for development projects.

Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, Chairman of the Senate Committee on NDDC, presented the committee's report, which was subsequently considered and approved by the Senate.

According to Ekpenyong, the committee conducted a thorough review of the commission's revenue projections and expenditure framework before recommending approval of the budget.

The commission's revenue profile comprises N107.48 billion in brought-forward funds, N626.53 billion in statutory contributions from the Federal Government, and N53.68 billion in unpaid arrears and recoveries from government agencies.

Additional projected revenues include N902.87 billion from oil companies and the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas Limited, as well as N8.36 billion from ecological funds and internally generated income.

The development component of the budget prioritizes key sectors such as education, healthcare, youth empowerment, energy and power supply, and infrastructure, among others.

Ekpenyong noted that the committee observed a significant rollover of projects from the 2024 budget, aimed at ensuring the completion of ongoing projects that promote sustainable development in the Niger Delta region.

The committee also adjusted the commission's proposed federal government contribution from N776.53 billion to N626.53 billion, in line with the figure approved in the 2025 Appropriation Act.

The difference between the proposed and approved federal contribution figures was offset by adjustments within the revenue projections from oil companies and related sources.

Ultimately, the Senate adopted the committee's recommendations and approved the total statutory budget of N1.75 trillion for the commission for the 2025 fiscal year.