Rita Odafe
Peter Obi
Peter Obi, who ran for president in 2023 with the Labour Party, expressed his concerns over the omission of the North Central Development Commission (NCDC) from the proposed 2025 budget.
He described this exclusion as concerning and urged for a revision of the budget to include the NCDC.
In a statement released on Wednesday, Obi highlighted the need for special focus on the North Central region due to ongoing security challenges. He stated,
“It is alarming that the North Central Regional Commission has been left out of the budget, while other regional commissions are accounted for. This discrepancy hinders fair development and peace, which are essential for our nation’s progress.”
He pointed out that ₦2.493 trillion has been allocated to five regional development commissions, with North Central being notably excluded.
Obi stressed the importance of focusing on the North Central region, which is grappling with serious issues like terrorism and banditry, particularly in states such as Plateau, Benue, Kogi, and Niger. These crises have led to loss of life and numerous families being displaced, making this region one of the most vulnerable in Nigeria.
He also noted that the region’s agricultural potential requires additional support, calling on the National Assembly to promptly address this exclusion.
“As the agricultural foundation of the country, the North Central region deserves substantial backing to foster security, stability, and development for the benefit of Nigeria as a whole.”
Obi concluded by urging both the government and the National Assembly to reconsider this decision, which could have detrimental effects on the region, stressing the need for a united effort toward a more inclusive and fair Nigeria.
