NDDC Presents N1.91tn Budget to Senate for 2024

By Abass Ganiyu

The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) presented its 2024 budget, totaling N1.91 trillion, to the Senate Committee on Niger Delta Affairs. Managing Director Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, supported by senior management, outlined the budget's focus on security, job creation, youth and women empowerment, social welfare, education, and infrastructure.

Ogbuku emphasized that the budget, labeled "Budget of Renewed Hope Agenda," aims to shift the commission from transactional to transformational efforts, prioritizing sustainable economic development. Key figures include proposed borrowing of N1 trillion, with N324 billion expected from the federal government and N25 billion from the ecology fund. Additionally, oil companies' contributions are projected at N375 billion, alongside N5 billion from internally generated revenue.

The commission plans to invest in critical infrastructure and complete over 200km of roads in the Niger Delta by the end of 2024. Public-Private-Partnerships and collaborations with entities like the Industrial Training Fund and the Niger Delta Chamber of Commerce are integral to these efforts.

Senate Committee Chairman Asuquo Ekpenyong urged the NDDC to ensure timely budget submissions and praised initiatives such as the "Light-up Niger Delta" project and youth education programs.

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