Abubakar Momoh: Why Nigeria's Six Regions Need More Funding for Development | READ DETAILS
Afnews Editor
Jan 22, 2025
The Ministry of Regional Development, led by Minister Abubakar Momoh, has called for increased funding from the National Assembly to fulfill its broader mandate of addressing regional challenges. With a 2025 budget ceiling of N28.9 billion, the ministry aims to focus on impactful projects, youth empowerment, and social protection initiatives.
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The Ministry of Regional Development has called on the National Assembly to approve increased funding for its operations, citing the need to address critical challenges across Nigeria's six regions. Minister Abubakar Momoh made this appeal during the 2025 budget defense session before the joint committee on regional development in Abuja on Tuesday.
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The transformation of the Ministry of Niger Delta Development into the Ministry of Regional Development marks a significant shift in its focus. Chairman of the committee, Senator Olajide Ipinsagba, described the change as a "landmark decision" reflecting the Federal Government's commitment to inclusive and sustainable development.
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Minister Abubakar Momoh explained that the 2025 budget allocation of N28.9 billion, including N24 billion for capital expenditure, is insufficient to meet the ministry's expanded mandate.
"This budget still reflects the scope of the defunct Ministry of Niger Delta Development instead of addressing the broader needs of all six regions. We require more funding to execute impactful projects, support youth and women empowerment, and implement social protection initiatives," Abubakar Momoh said.
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Key Budget Highlights
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The 2025 budget allocates:
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2 billion for youth and women empowerment and capacity-building programs.
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1 billion for livelihood support initiatives.
600 million for medical outreach programs targeting rural communities.
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Abubakar Momoh nemphasized that limited funding would force the ministry to prioritize completing ongoing projects and selecting initiatives with the highest regional impact.
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The minister noted the ministry's commitment to reducing the number of abandoned and uncompleted projects. He stressed that the new approach would prioritize human capital development, job creation, and social protection-related projects, ensuring equitable development across all regions.
"We will step down projects with low completion rates and focus on those that can deliver tangible benefits upon completion. This is essential to fulfill our expanded mandate," Momoh stated.
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Senator Ipinsagba reaffirmed the committee's dedication to critically evaluating the ministry's proposals, ensuring that its broader mandate is reflected in budget priorities.
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"The Ministry of Regional Development is now a beacon of hope for regions facing diverse challenges. Our focus will be on equitable development, economic inclusion, and fostering national unity," Ipinsagba remarked.
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He urged the ministry's leadership to embrace its expanded role with determination, commending their efforts to adapt to the broader responsibilities.
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— Afnews Editor