Proceedings at the Senate Committee on Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) on Tuesday were momentarily solemn before turning robust, as Senator Ned Munir Nwoko used the 2025 budget defence session to honour a late colleague and press home long-standing infrastructure concerns affecting Delta state.
At the commencement of the session, during which NDDC officials appeared before the committee to defend the Commission’s 2025 budget proposal, Senator Ned Nwoko drew attention to the recent passing of former Chairman of the Committee, Senator Peter Nwaoboshi. He moved a motion for a minute’s silence in his honour, which was adopted by the committee.
Turning to the substance of the budget defence, Senator Ned Nwoko engaged the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the NDDC, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, on the Commission’s financial performance and project execution record.
Earlier in his presentation, Dr. Ogbuku disclosed that as of October 31, 2025, the Commission’s actual revenue stood at N1.985 trillion, surpassing the projected N1.911 trillion recorded between April 2024 and September 2025, representing a performance level of 104 per cent. He attributed the improved revenue outcome largely to the extension of the 2024 budget implementation to December 31, 2025.
The MD further explained that the proposed 2025 budget, christened the “Budget of Consolidation,” is pegged at N1.75 trillion, reflecting a 9 per cent reduction from the 2024 figure. According to him, the downward adjustment is informed by a deliberate no-borrowing policy adopted by the Commission.
However, Senator Ned Nwoko used the opportunity to raise concerns over a critical road infrastructure project in Delta State which, despite being appropriated in the previous budget, has yet to take off.
“Mr. MD, when you last appeared before this committee, a matter of great importance to my constituents and, indeed, to Delta State was raised. I refer to the road project traversing Oko, Abala, Utchi, Okpai, Aboh, Asaba-Ase, down to Patani. This project was clearly captured in the last budget, yet, to date, no tangible progress has been recorded.”
He emphasised the strategic and humanitarian importance of the project, noting that it was conceived not merely as a transport corridor but as a flood-control intervention for vulnerable communities.
“We are all aware of the strategic value of coastal roads. This particular design was meant to incorporate embankments capable of preventing floodwaters from encroaching into hinterland communities and endangering lives.
This is a project with direct social impact, that would significantly improve livelihoods. Unfortunately, despite its inclusion in the budget, nothing has happened.”
The lawmaker indicated that the issue would be further raised during closed-door with the Commission, as the committee subsequently resolved to continue deliberations in executive session.
