By Fatima Ndagi
The newly established North Central Development Commission (NCDC) has addressed public concerns over its proposed ₦140 billion 2025 budget, stressing that the figure remains a draft under legislative review and has not yet received final approval.
In a statement signed by the Commission’s Executive Director of Corporate Services, James Uloko, the NCDC explained that reports in some media outlets misrepresented details of the proposal, which is still undergoing scrutiny at the National Assembly.
Uloko disclosed that the Commission’s management appeared before the Senate Committee on NCDC on September 30, 2025, to defend the budget. According to him, lawmakers held both open and closed sessions where the proposal was thoroughly examined, adjusted, and given preliminary approval — subject to concurrence by the House of Representatives.
“The ₦140 billion proposal was not altered, but adjustments made during the Senate Committee’s review will be reflected in the final budget document,” Uloko clarified.
He emphasized that the final appropriation would only be determined once both chambers of the National Assembly harmonize their positions.
The Commission assured stakeholders and the public of its strict adherence to transparency, accountability, and Nigeria’s financial regulations as it begins implementing its development mandate in the region.
“The NCDC wishes to assure stakeholders and the general public that it will operate in a transparent and accountable manner while delivering projects that will impact the lives of people in the North Central region,” the statement read.
Uloko also revealed that the Commission plans to engage in extensive consultations with governments, communities, and interest groups across the six North Central states and the Federal Capital Territory to ensure equitable and inclusive development.
“We are committed to inclusivity. The roadmap for the Commission’s work will be informed by needs assessments and strategic consultations to guarantee fairness and balance across the region,” he added.
The NCDC, which became operational barely a month ago, was established to drive reconstruction, recovery, and sustainable development in the North Central zone.