National Assembly Queries Minister Over Edo State’s Dominance in Regional Projects
The National Assembly Joint Senate and House of Representatives Committee on Regional Development has raised concerns over the non-adherence to the federal character principle in the allocation of projects from the defunct Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs.
The committee noted with dissatisfaction that a staggering 70 percent of the ministry’s projects for 2024 were concentrated in Edo State, raising questions about the equitable distribution of resources across other states. The committee argued that the ministry’s budget unfairly favored Edo State, sidelining other regions that were meant to benefit from such projects.
During a session where Minister of Regional Development, Abubakar Momoh, and Minister of State, Uba Maigari, appeared to defend the 2024 budget performance and the 2025 proposal, members of the committee expressed their displeasure.
House of Representatives member, Matthew Nwogu, took the opportunity to challenge the minister directly. “Mr. Minister, tell us why most of these 2024 projects are situated in Edo State?” he questioned, expressing concern over the exclusion of other states.
Chinedu Ogar, another committee member, also pressed the minister for an explanation regarding the proposed projects for 2025. “Honorable Minister, I am happy that you are a product of the National Assembly. My constituents are not happy with this budget because it violates the constitutional principle of federal character. About 70 percent of your projects are located in Edo State. Why?” Ogar demanded, highlighting the dissatisfaction of his constituents.
The committee’s inquiry points to growing concerns over the fairness and inclusivity of federal government projects, with lawmakers calling for greater adherence to the federal character principle.
