The North-Central People’s Forum has voiced intense disappointment at the recent announcement that the North-Central geopolitical zone will be excluded from the N2.4 trillion budget allocated for regional commissions in 2025.
Expressing frustration on behalf of the Forum, Secretary-General Mr Khaleel Bolaji criticised the oversight, highlighting the region’s ongoing marginalisation within national development frameworks.
Bolaji pointed out that it was unexpected for allocations to be made to regions without securing final presidential approval for their commissions. He believes this situation should also apply to the South-West and North-Central zones.
“We urgently call for the inclusion of the North-Central in this vital budget,” Bolaji stated, emphasising the need for equitable development that encompasses all regions of the country.
His remarks have sparked considerable debate among political leaders, underlining the discontent felt within the North-Central region.
Comprising six states and the Federal Capital Territory, the North-Central has long been viewed as a central player in fostering national unity due to its diverse ethnic composition and strategic position within Nigeria.
Bolaji emphasised that the region has made significant contributions to the nation’s political, economic, and social fabric yet continues to seek appropriate representation and resource allocation.
The exclusion from the 2025 budget highlights the urgent need for a more inclusive approach to development, a sentiment echoed by various political and community leaders.
A regional spokesperson, Mr. Sule-Dickson Audu, underscored the challenges faced by the North-Central, including insecurity, environmental issues, and economic hardships, and suggested that the omission could have been an oversight.
Audu urged the inclusion of a North-Central Development Commission to help address these challenges and support state and federal government efforts.
Activists and local leaders hope this issue will be rectified before finalising the budget. As discussions surrounding the budget continue, the North-Central region has a unified demand for fair treatment and recognition of its developmental needs.
In its current form, the budget includes substantial allocations for other regions: N585.9 billion for the North-West Development Commission, N498.4 billion for the South-West, N341.2 billion for the South-East, and N291 billion for the North-East.
However, the lack of funding for the North-Central has raised significant concerns about fairness and adequate political representation.
With the National Assembly currently reviewing the budget, there is a hopeful expectation that necessary amendments will be made to rectify this exclusion, promoting a spirit of equity and national development.
