NASS Joint Committee Faults Regional Development Ministry Over 2025 Budget Performance By Okwo romeon

 

The Joint Committee on Public Procurement of the Senate and House of Representatives has expressed dissatisfaction with the 2024 and 2025 budget performance of the Ministry of Regional Development, citing concerns over project distribution and implementation.

The committee chairman, Senator Ipinsagba Emmanuel Olajide, made the position known during a budget defence session in Abuja last Friday. He urged the Minister of Regional Development, Hon. Abubakar Momoh, to ensure equitable allocation of capital projects across the country in line with the federal character principle.

Olajide criticized what he described as a haphazard spread of projects among various regional development commissions, stressing that funding for capital projects must be balanced to prevent widening regional disparities. He maintained that the ministry plays a critical role in correcting structural imbalances and must demonstrate measurable impact across all geopolitical zones.

The lawmaker warned that the credibility of the ministry depends on its capacity to implement projects fairly and transparently, without any perception of regional bias.

Also speaking, Senator Adams Oshiomhole underscored the constitutional responsibility of the National Assembly to ensure accountability in public spending. He noted that regional intervention programmes were designed to address historical infrastructure deficits and economic inequalities, adding that any perceived imbalance in execution could erode public trust in government institutions.

Members of the joint committee raised concerns over budget implementation efficiency, project approvals, and overall performance outcomes. They subsequently requested comprehensive documentation detailing project approvals, funding allocations, and progress reports to strengthen legislative oversight.

In his response, Minister Abubakar Momoh defended the ministry’s performance, stating that its programmes are aligned with national development priorities and approved budgetary provisions. He acknowledged the high expectations placed on the ministry and pledged to enhance monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to improve transparency and effectiveness.

At the conclusion of the session, the committee directed the minister to submit additional documentation for further scrutiny, reaffirming the legislature’s resolve to ensure equitable and accountable implementation of federal regional development initiatives.

The Ministry of Regional Development was established to coordinate and supervise regional development commissions tasked with bridging infrastructure gaps and promoting balanced national growth.

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