Kehinde Fajobi
The National Assembly Joint Committee on Regional Development has questioned the Minister of Regional Development, Abubakar Momoh, over alleged bias in the ministry’s 2024 budget, which reportedly favours Edo State.
During the budget defence session on Tuesday, lawmakers raised concerns about the uneven allocation of projects. Matthew Nwogu, a House of Representatives member, noted that “70 per cent of the ministry’s 2024 projects are located in Edo State,” calling on the minister to explain the imbalance.
Similarly, Chinedu Ogar said, “Honourable Minister, my constituents are not happy with this budget because it negates the constitutional principle of federal character.”
In response, Momoh explained that ₦2 billion of the ₦20 billion capital budget was earmarked for zonal intervention projects initiated by House Leader Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, who also hails from Edo State.
He attributed the skewed allocation to limited funds and an expanded mandate, urging the committee to advocate for an increased 2025 budget.
“The ministry’s total budget proposal for 2025 is ₦28.9 billion, with ₦24 billion allocated for capital projects,” Momoh stated.
He lamented that inadequate funding has resulted in numerous abandoned projects, adding that “projects requiring ₦5 billion for completion now face liabilities exceeding ₦70 billion.”
The Senate Committee Chairman, Olajide Ipinsagba, praised the transformation of the Ministry of Niger Delta Development into the Ministry of Regional Development as a “landmark decision” for inclusive national progress.
However, Eugene Okechukwu, Chairman of the House Committee, warned against favouring specific states, saying, “This will cause disaffection and derail the President’s vision for equitable regional development.”
The session ended with an executive meeting to address the allegations and budgetary concerns privately.