{"id":122728,"date":"2025-10-04T17:27:07","date_gmt":"2025-10-04T16:27:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pointblanknews.com\/pbn\/?p=122728"},"modified":"2025-10-04T17:27:07","modified_gmt":"2025-10-04T16:27:07","slug":"ncdc-clarifies-%e2%82%a6140bn-budget-plan-says-final-figures-await-legislative-approval","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/pointblanknews.com\/pbn\/news\/ncdc-clarifies-%e2%82%a6140bn-budget-plan-says-final-figures-await-legislative-approval\/","title":{"rendered":"NCDC Clarifies \u20a6140bn Budget Plan, Says Final Figures Await Legislative Approval"},"content":{"rendered":"
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By Tracy Moses<\/div>\n
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The North Central Development Commission (NCDC) has provided further clarification on its proposed \u20a6140 billion 2025 budget, stating that the figures currently in circulation are provisional and subject to change as legislative review continues.<\/div>\n
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The clarification comes amid media reports on the budget estimates presented to the Senate Committee on NCDC. The Commission, which was formally inaugurated on September 5, 2025, described the proposal as a crucial step in its operational rollout as a new intervention body focused on accelerating development across the North Central region.<\/div>\n
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In a statement issued on Saturday and signed by James Uloko, Executive Director of Corporate Services at NCDC, the Commission confirmed that its management team had appeared before the Senate on September 30, 2025, to defend the \u20a6140 billion proposal. According to Uloko, the interactive budget session involved \u201crigorous scrutiny, constructive feedback, and extensive clarifications\u201d from lawmakers.<\/div>\n
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\u201cDuring our engagement with the Senate Committee, we presented a detailed breakdown of our proposed allocations and explained the strategic priorities that guided them,\u201d Uloko said. \u201cThe Committee, in turn, offered valuable input, made some adjustments, and gave an initial nod to the framework, but this is by no means the final stage of the process.\u201d<\/div>\n
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He emphasised that while the overall envelope of \u20a6140 billion remains intact, the internal allocation structure will continue to evolve as legislative scrutiny deepens. \u201cIt is crucial for the public to understand that some figures reported in the media do not reflect the most recent revisions made during the review process,\u201d he explained. \u201cThose adjustments will only appear in the final version once both chambers of the National Assembly complete their work.\u201d<\/div>\n
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Uloko further noted that the House of Representatives Committee on NCDC is expected to conduct its own round of budget review and harmonisation before any final legislative approval is given. \u201cThe National Assembly process is deliberate and thorough,\u201d he added. \u201cOur proposal remains a working document until it is passed into law and integrated into the national budget cycle.\u201d<\/div>\n
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Reassuring the public about the Commission\u2019s approach, Uloko reiterated NCDC\u2019s commitment to \u201ctransparency, accountability, and full compliance with Nigeria\u2019s public finance regulations.\u201d<\/div>\n
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\u201cWe understand the public interest in this process and welcome the scrutiny,\u201d he said. \u201cOur priority is to ensure that every naira allocated to the North Central region delivers maximum impact and contributes to sustainable development.\u201d<\/div>\n
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He also highlighted that NCDC will prioritise \u201cinclusive planning, equitable distribution, and broad-based consultation\u201d as it moves towards implementation. \u201cWe are conducting comprehensive needs assessments and engaging stakeholders across all six states and the FCT to ensure that our interventions address real challenges and create meaningful impact,\u201d Uloko stated.<\/div>\n
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According to him, the Commission\u2019s overarching vision is to transform the region through strategic infrastructure development, social investments, and economic empowerment initiatives tailored to the unique needs of North Central communities.<\/div>\n
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