2025 Budget: NCPF Laments North Central’s Exclusion From N2.4 Trillion Set Aside For Regional Devt Commissions

The N2.493 trillion allocated to five regional development commissions in the 2025 proposed budget has sparked widespread outrage as Nigerians have lamented and complained that the North Central geopolitical zone was conspicuous by its absence.

The budget features significant allocations and provisions for other regions but left out the North Central, fueling calls for more inclusion and equity.

Budget Breakdown and Exclusion of North Central

The budget proposal outlines allocations for various regional development commissions, including N585.9 billion for the North West Development Commission, N498.4 billion for the South West Development Commission, N341.2 billion for the South East Development Commission and N291billion for the North East Development Commission.

However, no provision was made for the North Central region and this has raised concerns about fairness and political representation.

North Central People’s Forum Reacts

The North Central People’s Forum, (NCPF) in a statement made available to Team@orientactualmags.com by its Secretary General, Alhaji Khaleel Bolaji expressed frustration with the exclusion and condemned the non-inclusion of the north central development commission in the 2025 budget estimates.

Alhaji Khaleel Bolaji, who lamented the region’s long history of marginalization, said it was not expected that allocations would be made to regions without final presidential approval of their commissions, which he believes should have been the case for the Southwest and North Central.

He called for the North Central’s inclusion in the budget while emphasizing the need for equitable development across all regions.

Alhaji Khaleel Bolaji expressed his discontent over the exclusion, which has also fueled criticism within political circles. 

He noted that the region with its six states and the Federal Capital Territory, has long been seen as a critical player in maintaining the unity of the country, with its diverse ethnic groups and strategic location at the heart of the nation.

Bolaji’s call for unity and inclusion echoes the broader sentiment that Nigeria’s development should not be at the expense of one region over another. 

The North Central has contributed significantly to the country’s political, economic, and social fabric, and its citizens continue to demand their fair share of the nation’s resources. The exclusion from the 2025 budget is seen as a stark reminder of the need for a more inclusive approach to national development.

With the budget still under review, there is an opportunity for the National Assembly to make amendments and make provisions for the North Central Development Commission.

Similarly, spokesman for the region, Mr.  Sule-Dikcson Audu said the North Central has faced numerous challenges, including insecurity, environmental crises, and economic setbacks. 

Noting that the exclusion could have been an oversight, Audu advocated for the inclusion of the region in the budget to ensure fair treatment in respect of national development.

He explained that the North Central Development Commission would complement the efforts of the state and federal governments, especially in addressing regional development challenges.

Activists and political leaders from the region are hopeful that the issue will be addressed before the budget is finalized.

As the discussion continues on the budget, the region remains resolute in its demand for fair treatment while urging both the federal government and the National Assembly to prioritize the development needs of the North Central geopolitical zone.

With the budget still under review, it is believed that the National Assembly will address the exclusion by making required budgetary allocation for the Commission in the spirit of fairness and national development-Team@orientactualmags.com  Do you have any information you wish to share with us? Do you want us to cover your event or programme? Kindly send SMS to 08059100286, 09094171980 or get in touch via orientactualmag@gmail.com.  Thank you