Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has condemned the exclusion of the North Central Development Commission (NCDC) in the 2025 budget.
Peter Obi said the exclusion was troubling. He called for the 2025 budget to be revised and provisions made for NCDC.
In a statement on Wednesday, Obi said North Central requires special attention as a result of the insecurity affecting the region.
“The exclusion of the North Central Regional Commission from the budgetary allocations provided to other Regional Commissions in the 2025 proposed budget is deeply troubling and must be urgently reversed. Such an anomaly does not make for even development and peace that is needed for progress in the country.
“A total of ₦2.493 trillion has been allocated to five regional development commissions, with the North Central Regional Commission glaringly omitted.
“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 in Nigeria,” he said.
The former governor of Anambra State further emphasized that the agricultural potential of the region requires support. He called on the National Assembly to urgently review and rectify the exclusion.
“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.
“I, therefore, call on the government and National Assembly to urgently review and rectify this decision that will impact negatively on the region and area most needed for the development of the country
“Together, we must work toward a more inclusive and equitable Nigeria,” Obi stated.
