NDDC Takes Steps to Align Budget Cycle with National Budget, Sets Up 2025 Budget Committee

The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) is taking proactive steps to align its budget cycle with the national budget.

The Commission recently inaugurated an 18-member 2025 Budget Committee to begin the process of preparing its budget proposals.

Addressing the committee members during the inauguration ceremony at the NDDC headquarters in Port Harcourt, Managing Director Dr. Samuel Ogbuku emphasised the importance of aligning the NDDC budget with the national budget cycle.

He stated that the committee would ensure that the Commission secures approval for the 2025 budget before the end of the 2024 budget cycle.

Ogbuku stressed that the NDDC budget will prioritize funding projects that are achievable and aligned with the needs of the Niger Delta region.

To ensure this, the committee will conduct a stakeholders’ conference to gather input and ensure that the budget reflects the needs of the people.

The committee will also be reviewing existing projects to identify those that can be completed within a short timeframe.

Ogbuku emphasized that the NDDC cannot develop the region in one year, and therefore, the focus will be on smart budgeting and completing ongoing projects.

Following the passage of the 2024 budget by the National Assembly, the NDDC plans to raise one trillion naira to fund legacy projects initiated by previous administrations.

The Budget Committee is led by the NDDC Managing Director and includes representatives from the Commission’s nine mandate states, as well as a representative from the Oil Producers Trade Section (OPTS).

The Coordinator of the Budget Committee, Davies Okarevu, outlined the committee’s commitment to ensuring that the state offices are fully involved in the budget process and that the final budget is all-inclusive.

The NDDC’s efforts to align its budget cycle with the national budget and prioritize stakeholder input mark a significant step toward more transparent and effective project implementation.

The focus on completing ongoing projects and securing funding for legacy projects demonstrates a commitment to building a more developed and prosperous Niger Delta region.