NCDC Clarifies ₦140bn 2025 Budget Proposal, Says Final Approval Still Pending – Independent Newspaper Nigeria

ABUJA – The North Central Development Commission (NCDC) has shed more light on its proposed ₦140 billion budget for 2025, explaining that the figures currently circulating in the public space are preliminary and will likely change before final approval by the National Assembly.

The clarification follows media reports about the budget estimates presented to the Senate Committee overseeing the Commission’s affairs. NCDC, which officially commenced operations on September 5, 2025, described the proposal as a foundational step towards launching its full-scale interventions across the North Central region.

In a statement issued on Saturday and signed by James Uloko, the Commission’s Executive Director of Corporate Services, NCDC confirmed that its management team appeared before the Senate Committee on September 30, 2025, to defend the proposed ₦140 billion budget. Uloko noted that the session was marked by “detailed scrutiny, robust engagement, and constructive recommendations” from lawmakers.

“During the budget defence, we provided a comprehensive explanation of our proposed allocations and the strategic priorities behind them,” Uloko explained. “The Committee offered useful feedback, suggested some adjustments, and gave an initial endorsement to the proposal’s framework. However, this is far from the final stage.”

He further stressed that while the total sum of ₦140 billion has not changed, the internal distribution of funds will continue to be fine-tuned as legislative review progresses. “It’s important for the public to note that some of the figures quoted in the media no longer represent the most updated version following the Senate’s inputs,” he added. “The final numbers will only be known once both chambers of the National Assembly complete their review and pass the budget.”

Uloko also revealed that the House of Representatives Committee on NCDC will undertake its own round of budget analysis and harmonisation before the appropriation is finalised. “The legislative budget process is thorough and multi-layered,” he said. “Our current document remains a proposal until it is legally approved and incorporated into the national budget.”

Reaffirming the Commission’s dedication to due process, Uloko assured Nigerians that transparency and accountability remain central to NCDC’s operations.

“We recognise and appreciate the public’s interest in this budget process,” he said. “Our mission is to ensure that every naira allocated for the North Central region delivers real value and tangible results.”

He also emphasised that NCDC will continue to focus on inclusive development planning, fair resource distribution, and broad stakeholder engagement as implementation draws closer. “We are currently conducting needs assessments and consulting widely across the six states and the FCT to ensure that our projects address actual community priorities,” he said.

According to Uloko, the Commission’s long-term objective is to accelerate the region’s growth through targeted infrastructure projects, impactful social programmes, and economic empowerment schemes designed to respond to the unique realities of the North Central zone.