The Senate Committee on Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) witnessed a moment of reflection followed by vigorous discussions during the 2025 budget defense session on Tuesday, as Senator Ned Munir Nwoko took the opportunity to honor his late colleague, Senator Peter Nwaoboshi, while voicing urgent infrastructure concerns in Delta State.
At the start of the session, which featured NDDC officials presenting the Commission’s budget proposal for 2025, Senator Nwoko initiated a motion for a minute’s silence in honor of Senator Nwaoboshi, the former Chairman of the Committee. The committee unanimously adopted the motion.
Transitioning to the budget discussion, Senator Nwoko engaged with Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the NDDC, in a thorough examination of the Commission’s financial performance and project execution history.
Dr. Ogbuku revealed that as of October 31, 2025, the NDDC’s actual revenue reached N1.985 trillion, exceeding the projected N1.911 trillion for the period from April 2024 to September 2025, resulting in a notable performance level of 104 percent.
He credited this positive outcome largely to the extension of the 2024 budget implementation through December 31, 2025.
The proposed budget for 2025, referred to as the “Budget of Consolidation,” amounts to N1.75 trillion, reflecting a 9 percent decrease from the previous year’s budget. Dr. Ogbuku explained that this reduction aligns with the Commission’s commitment to a no-borrowing policy.
Senator Nwoko seized the opportunity to address an important road infrastructure project in Delta State that has yet to commence, despite being included in prior budget allocations.
“Mr. MD, during your last appearance before this committee, I raised a crucial issue for my constituents and the state concerning the road project intersecting Oko, Abala, Utchi, Okpai, Aboh, Asaba-Ase, and extending to Patani.
This project was clearly outlined in the past budget, yet, unfortunately, no significant progress has been made to date,” he stated.
Highlighting the project’s strategic and humanitarian significance, he noted that it was designed not only as a transportation route but also as a flood-control measure for vulnerable communities.
“We all recognize the strategic importance of coastal roads. This project was intended to include embankments to safeguard hinterland communities from floodwaters, thereby protecting lives.
“It has a direct social impact that could dramatically enhance livelihoods. Regrettably, despite its budget inclusion, there has been no advancement,” he lamented.
Senator Nwoko indicated that he would address the matter further during a closed-door session with the Commission, as the committee agreed to continue its deliberations in the executive session.
