News
Budget Office Rejects Claim That NEDC Has ₦246bn Salary-Only Budget
Joel Ajayi
The Budget Office of the Federation has dismissed reports claiming that the North East Development Commission (NEDC) is operating a ₦246 billion budget devoted solely to salaries, describing the allegation as false, misleading and based on a poor understanding of Nigeria’s federal budgeting process.
In a statement issued in Abuja on January 15, 2026, the Office clarified that the ₦246.77 billion reflected for the NEDC in the federal budget is a statutory lump-sum allocation prepared in line with the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF), not a salaries-only provision.
It explained that claims suggesting about ₦244 billion of the allocation is for personnel costs are factually incorrect.
According to the Office, during budget preparation, allocations may temporarily appear under the personnel cost line as a technical placeholder where agencies are yet to submit full internal economic breakdowns.
This, it noted, is a recognised budgeting convention pending detailed submissions, legislative scrutiny and approved reallocations during budget execution.
The Office stressed that such technical presentation should not be mistaken for actual spending intent.
Reacting to concerns over capital expenditure, the Budget Office said the ₦2.70 billion figure being cited reflects a National Assembly-approved adjustment in the 2025 budget, with about 70 per cent of the capital allocations rolled over into the 2026 fiscal year.
It said this legislative decision relates to timing and sequencing of appropriations and does not indicate a lack of development projects in the North East.
It pointed to project schedules attached to the budget, which outline ongoing and planned interventions including agricultural support, food security programmes, rehabilitation of IDP camps, construction of orphanages, borehole projects, security logistics support and constituency-level initiatives.
The Office warned that isolating a single budget line while ignoring detailed project schedules amounts to distortion rather than analysis.
Defending the inclusion of personnel costs, the Budget Office noted that development commissions require skilled professionals such as engineers, project managers, procurement officers and monitoring teams to effectively deliver projects.
On accountability, it said the NEDC is subject to multiple oversight mechanisms, including the MTEF, annual Appropriation Acts, National Assembly oversight, quarterly budget performance reports and statutory audits.
The statement, signed by the Director General of the Budget Office of the Federation, Tanimu Yakubu, urged the public to engage responsibly with fiscal information, warning that misinformation weakens, rather than strengthens, accountability.
News
Nigeria at 66: ‘We Must Not Lose Faith in Nigeria’ — FCC Boss Omidiran
Joel Ajayi
The Executive Chairman of the Federal Character Commission (FCC), Honorable Hulayat Motunrayo Omidiran, has called on Nigerians to use the occasion of the nation’s 66th Independence Anniversary to renew their faith in Nigeria, strengthen national unity and recommit themselves to building a more inclusive and prosperous country.
In her 66th Independence Day message, Hon. Omidiran described October 1 as more than a celebration of freedom, saying the anniversary provides an opportunity for Nigerians to reflect on the country’s journey, acknowledge its progress and challenges, and renew the collective determination to build a nation where every citizen has a sense of belonging.
According to the FCC Executive Chairman, the Federal Character Principle remains particularly important to the quest for national cohesion because equitable representation promotes a sense of ownership and confidence in the Nigerian project.
“Nigeria is a nation of great diversity and
enormous potential. Our responsibility is to ensure that this diversity becomes a bridge that connects us rather than a barrier that separates us. Every Nigerian deserves to feel that he or she belongs to this country and has a role to play in its development,” Omidiran said.
The FCC boss called on government institutions at all levels to remain committed to fairness, equity, accountability and inclusive governance, while urging citizens to support efforts aimed at strengthening national institutions and promoting peaceful coexistence.
“We must not lose faith in Nigeria. The challenges before us are real, but so are the opportunities and the enormous human and natural resources available to us. Every citizen has a responsibility to contribute his or her own quota to building the Nigeria we desire,” she stated.
The FCC Executive Chairman also urged young Nigerians to remain committed to acquiring knowledge and skills, entrepreneurship, innovation, sports and other productive ventures, describing the youth as critical stakeholders in the country’s future.
“As we celebrate 66 years of independence, let us remember that the Nigeria we want cannot be built by government alone. It requires the commitment of all of us – leaders and citizens, young and old, from every part of the federation. Together, we can build a Nigeria where justice, fairness, opportunity and peace are available to all,” she said.
Omidiran reaffirmed the FCC’s commitment to the effective discharge of its constitutional mandate and to supporting efforts that promote equitable representation and inclusive national development across the federation.
The former lawmaker wished Nigerians at home and abroad a peaceful and memorable 66th Independence Anniversary, praying for continued peace, stability, prosperity and progress for the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“Our differences should never be greater than our common identity as Nigerians. Let us continue to choose unity over division, service over self-interest and hope over despair. The Nigeria of our dreams is possible if we all play our part,” Omidiran said.
“On behalf of the Federal Character Commission, I congratulate all Nigerians on this 66th Independence Anniversary. May this occasion renew our patriotism, strengthen our unity and inspire us to work together for a stronger, more equitable and prosperous Nigeria. May God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” she added.
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