Niger-Delta ministry likely to up budget proposal
The Ministry of Niger-Delta may have to effect an upward review of its 25.91billion naira budget of 2020 to be in tune with present realities in the oil-rich region of Nigeria.
This likelihood became obvious Monday when the Minister, Godswill Akpabio appeared before the Committee on Niger Delta Affairs for the 2020 Budget Defence session.
The 2020 Budget Proposal for the Ministry of Niger-Delta Affairs was prepared using the approved zero-based budgeting approach in line with the Medium Term Expenditure Framework/Economic Recovery and Growth Plan [ERGP].
And the sum of N25.91billion was allocated to the Ministry, where Personnel cost is N1.14billion, overhead N877.089million and capital N23.89billion respectively.
Addressing the Senate Committee panel, the Minister, Godswill Akpabio, said the capital allocation meant to cater for roads, environment, health, social inclusion and provision of water, among others for the nine states in the region is grossly inadequate.
Upon scrutinizing the budget proposal for the 2020 fiscal year, the members of the Committee also agreed with their former colleague.
Mr. Akpabio appealed to the Committee against having his ministry rework the budget proposal.
In his ruling, the Chairman of the Committee, Senator Peter Nwaboshi thereby mandated the Niger-Delta Ministry to rework its budgetary proposal and reappear on Monday next week.