NCDC Clarifies ₦140bn 2025 Budget Proposal, Says Final Approval Pending …urges public to disregard misleading media reports, assures transparency in implementation

By Iyojo Ameh

The North Central Development Commission (NCDC) has issued a clarification regarding recent media reports surrounding its proposed ₦140 billion budget for the 2025 fiscal year, which is currently undergoing legislative review.

In a statement released on Friday, October 3, 2025, the newly established Commission emphasized that the ₦140 billion budget proposal remains under consideration and has not yet received final approval. It explained that the figures being circulated in some sections of the media are preliminary and subject to adjustments as part of the ongoing budgetary process.

Established less than a month ago, the NCDC is still in the early stages of operationalizing its mandate. On September 30, the Commission appeared before the Senate Committee overseeing its affairs to defend its 2025 budget estimates. The session involved both open and closed-door engagements, during which the Committee scrutinized the proposed figures, raised observations, and requested clarifications from the Commission’s management team.

Following the deliberations, the Senate Committee made some observations and adjustments before granting provisional approval of the proposal. However, the Commission noted that the process is not yet concluded, as the budget still awaits concurrence from the House of Representatives.

“The ₦140 billion figure remains unchanged at this stage,” the Commission stated. “However, the allocation of funds cited in some media reports does not reflect the adjustments made during the Senate’s review. These revisions will be captured in the final version once the House concludes its own scrutiny.”

The NCDC further clarified that the 2025 budget is still a working document and will only become effective after it completes the full legislative cycle and is incorporated into the national budget.

Reaffirming its commitment to transparency, accountability, and due process, the Commission assured the public that it will adhere strictly to financial regulations and ensure equitable distribution of resources across the six North Central states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

“As we roll out our operations, we will ensure equity and inclusivity through comprehensive needs assessments and strategic consultations,” the statement added.

The North Central Development Commission was recently established by the Federal Government to drive sustainable development across the North Central region. Its core focus areas include infrastructure development, social services, human capital investment, and economic revitalization aimed at bridging development gaps in the region.