Peter Obi Condemns Exclusion of North Central from 2025 Budget Allocations

Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, has condemned the federal government’s decision to exclude the North Central region from its 2025 fiscal budgetary allocations to regional commissions.

Obi voiced his concerns through a tweet on his X handle, expressing disappointment over what he described as a discriminatory action by the federal government. He pointed out the serious consequences of this decision, particularly its implications on the development and peace of the country.

“The exclusion of the North Central Regional Commission from the budgetary allocations provided to other regional commissions in the 2025 proposed budget is deeply troubling and must be urgently reversed,” Obi stated. “Such an anomaly does not make for the even development and peace that is needed for progress in the country.”

The federal government’s 2025 proposed budget allocates a total of N2.493 trillion to five regional development commissions. However, the North Central Regional Commission has been glaringly omitted. Obi highlighted that the North Central region, which is facing severe challenges such as relentless terror attacks and banditry, urgently needs attention. States such as Plateau, Benue, Kogi, and Niger have been particularly affected, suffering immense losses and forcing many families into internally displaced persons (IDP) camps.

Obi described the region as one of the most vulnerable in the country due to these ongoing crises, which have resulted in loss of lives and instability. As Nigeria’s agricultural backbone, the North Central region, according to Obi, requires robust support to enhance security, stability, and development for the benefit of the entire nation.

He called on the federal government and the National Assembly to urgently review and rectify this exclusion, stressing that it would have negative consequences on the development of the country. Obi concluded his statement by urging for a more inclusive and equitable Nigeria, adding that a “New Nigeria” is not just a dream, but something that is achievable.