By Henry Umoru

ABUJA- THE National Assembly has taken a swipe at the ₦290.99 billion budget proposal for 2025 by the North East Development Commission (NEDC), calling for greater clarification.

The decision of the Joint Committee of the Senate and House of Representatives on Special Duties chaired by Senator Kaka Lawa, APC, Borno Central was during the 2025 budget defence, just as it reviewed the commission’s past performance and future plans.

In his presentation to the Committee, NEDC Managing Director/CEO, Muhammed Alkali who provided a report on the commission’s 2024 budget performance, said that in the 2024 budget, the appropriation stood at ₦126.2 billion, had an expenditure of ₦88.22 billion on a cash basis, representing a 70 per cent performance.

Alkali who explained that when factoring in accruals and commitments, performance increased to 90 per cent, did a breakdown of 2024 budget performance as follows. “Component A ( Humanitarian Activities) ₦40.617 billion allocated, ₦39.348 billion expended, achieving 94% performance.

“Component B ( Reconstruction and Development) :₦26.75 billion allocated, ₦13.826 billion expended, achieving 52% performance.

“Component C (Coordination and Research): ₦6.34 billion allocated, ₦2.421 billion expended, achieving 38 per cent performance.

“Component D ( procurement and Operations) : ₦9.6 billion allocated, ₦5.055 billion expended, achieving 52% performance.

“Component E (Education and Training): ₦12.693 billion allocated, ₦6.83 billion expended, achieving 54 per cent performance.

“Component F (Salaries and Allowances): ₦26.313 billion allocated, ₦21.731 billion expended, achieving 83 per cent performance.

Alkali told the lawmakers that some funds not utilized following operational delays, even as he assured the committee that improvements would be made in 2025.

In his remarks, Senator Aminu Abass, Adamawa Central who was not comfortable with the low allocation and expenditure on education in the 2024 budget, however expressed dissatisfaction where he said, “Education is the foundation for addressing the region’s challenges. We expect a significant increase in 2025.”

He noted the critical role of education in driving the region’s development.

In response, Alkali who disclosed that there were plans to restructure the scholarship program as well as improve the disbursement of bursaries and teacher training, particularly in the six states of the region, however assured that efforts would be made to ensure better utilization of education funds in the coming fiscal year.

The MD/CEO presented the NEDC’s proposed ₦290.99 billion budget for 2025, broken down as follows:” Humanitarian Affairs 33 per cent, ₦96.029 billion for food distribution, resettlement, recovery, and training.

“Operations and Reconstruction 33 per cent: ₦96.029 billion for rebuilding infrastructure and fostering economic development, Strategic Communication 5 per cent: ₦14.55 billion, ICT Development 4 per cent: ₦11.64 billion, Administrative Costs 10 per cent : ₦29 billion for salaries, travel, and training.

Also, Senator Muhammad Onawo (Nasarawa South) raised concerns about the lack of detailed breakdowns in the budget proposal.

“We cannot approve ₦290 billion based on summaries alone. Without specifics, accountability becomes challenging,” he stated.

He urged the NEDC to provide more comprehensive documentation to ensure proper evaluation and scrutiny of the budget.

Committee Chairman Senator Kaka Lawa who emphasised the need for further details and justifications before granting final approval, said, ” generally, the commission has done well in some of its projects, and we are satisfied. However, there is a need for improvement in other areas. We must focus on road infrastructure and other critical needs of the North East. While the humanitarian aspects of the budget have performed well, other sectors require more attention.”