The Joint Committee of the National Assembly on Special Duties and the House Committee on the North East Development Commission (NEDC) has called for greater clarification regarding the N290.99 billion budget proposal for 2025.
The committee, chaired by Senator Kaka Lawa, reviewed the commission’s past performance and future plans during yesterday’s Abuja session.
In his presentation to the committee, NEDC Managing Director/CEO Muhammed Alkali provided a detailed report on the commission’s 2024 budget performance. The 2024 budget, appropriated at N126.2 billion, recorded a cash expenditure of N88.22 billion, representing a 70 percent performance.
Alkali explained that when factoring in accruals and commitments, performance increased to 90 per cent.
The MD highlighted the 2024 budget performance as follows. “Component A (Humanitarian Activities) ₦40.617 billion allocated, ₦39.348 billion expended, achieving 94% performance.
“Component B (Reconstruction and Development): ₦26.75 billion allocated, ₦13.826 billion expended, achieving 52% performance.
“Component C (Coordination and Research): ₦6.34 billion allocated, ₦2.421 billion expended, achieving 38 percent performance.
“Component D (procurement and Operations): ₦9.6 billion allocated, ₦5.055 billion expended, achieving 52% performance.
“Component E (Education and Training): ₦12.693 billion allocated, ₦6.83 billion expended, achieving 54 per cent performance.
“Component F (Salaries and Allowances): ₦26.313 billion allocated, ₦21.731 billion expended, achieving 83 per cent performance.
Alkali acknowledged that some funds remained unutilised due to operational delays but assured the committee that improvements would be made in 2025.
Senator Aminu Abass (Adamawa Central) criticised the low allocation and expenditure on education in the 2024 budget.
He expressed dissatisfaction: “Education is the foundation for addressing the region’s challenges. We expect a significant increase in 2025.”
He emphasised the critical role of education in driving the region’s development.
In response, Alkali outlined plans to restructure the scholarship program and improve the disbursement of bursaries and teacher training, particularly in the region’s six states.
He assured the committee that efforts would be made to ensure better utilization of education funds in the coming fiscal year.
The MD/CEO presented the NEDC’s proposed ₦290.99 billion budget for 2025, broken down as follows:” Humanitarian Affairs 33 per cent, ₦96.029 billion for food distribution, resettlement, recovery, and training.
“Operations and Reconstruction 33 per cent: ₦96.029 billion for rebuilding infrastructure and fostering economic development, strategic communication 5 percent: ₦14.55 billion, ICT Development 4 percent: ₦11.64 billion, Administrative Costs 10 percent: ₦29 billion for salaries, travel, and training.
Also, Senator Muhammad Onawo (Nasarawa South) raised concerns about the lack of detailed breakdowns in the budget proposal.
“We cannot approve ₦290 billion based on summaries alone. Without specifics, accountability becomes challenging,” he stated.
He urged the NEDC to provide more comprehensive documentation to ensure proper evaluation and scrutiny of the budget.
Committee chairman Senator Kaka Lawa emphasised the need for further details and justifications before granting final approval.
“The commission has done well in some of its projects, and we are satisfied. However, there is a need for improvement in other areas. We must focus on road infrastructure and other critical needs of the North East. While the humanitarian aspects of the budget have performed well, other sectors require more attention,” he stated.
Further deliberations on the 2025 budget proposal are expected in the coming weeks. Approval is contingent on the NEDC submitting additional information.
