N14bn Released For Regional Dev’t, But More Funds Needed, Says Minister
The Ministry of Regional Development (MRD) has revealed that only N14.1billion of the N35.2billion approved for its projects in 2023 and 2024 has been released by the Federal Ministry of Finance, raising concerns over funding shortages.
During a ministerial briefing in Abuja, the Minister, Engr. Abubakar Momoh, alongside the Minister of State, Uba Maigari Ahmadu, emphasised that the amount released remained grossly inadequate to address critical infrastructural and economic development needs, particularly in the volatile Niger Delta region.
The briefing highlighted the expanded mandate of the Ministry following its transition from the Ministry of Niger Delta Development in October 2024.
The Ministry is now responsible for coordinating, overseeing, and supervising all established Development Commissions to drive sustainable regional development across the country.
This marks a shift from its previous focus, which was limited to interventions aimed at improving the socio-economic well-being of the Niger Delta region.
Despite the Ministry’s achievements, Momoh said several challenges continue to hinder effective project execution.
He said the dwindling budget allocations and delays in fund disbursement have created difficulties in paying contractors, leading to project delays.
According to him, inflation has further escalated construction costs, while the short construction period due to heavy rainfall in the Niger Delta has made project implementation even more challenging.
He said the transition from the Ministry of Niger Delta Development to the Ministry of Regional Development has also introduced administrative hurdles that need to be addressed.
Additionally, the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), which falls under the Ministry’s oversight, faces its own set of challenges, including delayed budget approvals, noncompliance by statutory contributors—mainly oil and gas companies—and a lack of coordination among key stakeholders.
Despite funding constraints, Momoh said the Ministry has prioritized infrastructure development, focusing on the completion of key road projects.
Among those completed were the Gberegolor-Ogriagbene Road in Delta State, the Okpuala-Iguruta Road (Phase I) in Imo State, the Oron Road (Phase I) in Edo State, and the Onuakpaka Link Bridge Road (Phase II) in Imo State.
Several new road projects are also underway, including the construction of the Agbokim Mgbabor Road in Cross River State, the Biokpa-Okpor-Ukwa Road in Cross River State, the Ezihe Onuimo-Ndiuche Ideato-Unuago Road in Imo State, the Ezeelu Okwe Amaikpa Umucheke Road in Imo State, and the Ididep Urban Roads in Akwa Ibom State.
The Minister acknowledged that the high cost of implementing infrastructure projects, coupled with the region’s difficult terrain and frequent heavy rains, has posed challenges to project completion.
Beyond infrastructure, he said the Ministry has made significant strides in economic empowerment and agricultural development.
It has distributed 81 mechanical tillers, water pumps, and trailers to farmers across the Niger Delta and provided 32 fish smoking kilns to riverine communities.
He said the Ministry has also established two mini agro-processing plants, including an Oil Palm Processing Plant in Akwa Ibom and a Cassava Processing Plant in Cross River, valued at N171million.
Under the 2024 budget, additional processing plants are being constructed, including a Mini Rice Processing Mill in Bende, Abia State, and an Oil Palm Processing Plant in Ukwa East LGA, Abia State, valued at N288million.
To further support economic growth, the Ministry has provided seed capital of N250,000 each to 294 beneficiaries across the region and has concluded arrangements to train and empower an additional 850 beneficiaries under the 2024 budget.
It has also distributed 165 sewing machines, grinding machines, and generator sets to small business owners in Akwa Ibom, valued at N248 million, while 600 women in Akwa Ibom, Imo, and Bayelsa States have benefited from the Clean Stove Initiative, a program valued at N82 million.
In its efforts to maintain peace and security in the Niger Delta,Momoh said the ministry has engaged with traditional rulers, youth and women groups, and corporate entities to foster stability and development.
The 2024 National Council on Niger Delta (NCND) meeting, held in Asaba, Delta State, brought together over 800 stakeholders to discuss policy direction for regional development and economic empowerment.
The Minister expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his continued support, noting that the Ministry’s interventions have led to significant improvements in peace, security, and economic activities in the Niger Delta, ultimately contributing to increased oil production and national revenue.
However, he stressed the need for increased and timely funding to accelerate development efforts, particularly with the Ministry’s expanded mandate.
Engr. Momoh reassured Nigerians that the Ministry remains committed to delivering more infrastructure projects, economic empowerment programs, and regional development initiatives.
He emphasized that the Ministry’s efforts align with the government’s Renewed Hope Agenda and reiterated the administration’s commitment to ensuring that interventions have a tangible impact on the lives of people across the country.
