Lucky Obukohwo Reporting
A group on the auspices of North Central People’s Forum has made a case for the inclusion of the people of the North Central region in the N2.4 trillion Regional Commission’s Budget
Truth Live News Media reports that the exclusion of the region from the 2025 budget has generated a lot of widespread outrage.
The budget includes significant allocations for other regions but left out the North Central, fueling calls for more inclusion and equity.
Analysis of the budget proposal showed allocations of N585.9 billion for the North West Development Commission, N498.4 billion for the South West Development Commission, N341.2 billion for the South East Development Commission and N291 billion for the North East Development Commission while no provision was made for the North Central region thereby raised concerns about fairness and political representation.
Speaking through its Secretary-General, Mr. Khaleel Bolaji, it highlighted the region’s long history of marginalisation, saying it was not expected that allocations would be made to regions without final presidential approval of their commissions, which it believed should have been the case for the South West and North Central.
Bolaji called for the North Central’s inclusion in the budget while emphasising the need for equitable development across all regions.
While emphasising discontent over the exclusion, which has also fueled criticism within political circles, the group said the region with its six states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has long been seen as a critical player in maintaining the unity of the country, with its diverse ethnic groups and strategic location at the heart of the nation.
“The North Central has contributed significantly to the country’s political, economic and social fabric, and its citizens continue to demand their fair share of the nation’s resources. The exclusion from the 2025 budget is a stark reminder of the need for a more inclusive approach to national development.
“With the budget still under review, there is an opportunity for the National Assembly to make amendments and make provisions for the North-Central Development Commission,” he said.
Also, spokesmen of the region, Mr. Sule-Dikcson Audu, said the North Central has faced numerous challenges, including insecurity, environmental crises and economic setbacks.
Noting that the exclusion could have been an oversight, Audu advocated the inclusion of the region in the budget to ensure fair treatment in national development.
He explained that the North Central Development Commission would complement the efforts of the state and federal governments, especially in addressing regional development challenges.