President Buhari’s 2020 budget speech

Published

7 years ago

October 8, 2019

The Gleamer

2020 BUDGET SPEECH:

Budget of Sustaining Growth and Job Creation

Delivered By:

His Excellency, Muhammadu Buhari

President, Federal Republic of Nigeria

At the Joint Session of the National Assembly, Abuja

Tuesday, October 8, 2019

PROTOCOLS

I will start by asking you to pardon my voice. As you can hear, I have a cold as a result of working hard to meet your deadline!
I am delighted to present the 2020 Federal Budget Proposals to this Joint Session of the National Assembly, being my first budget presentation to this 9th National Assembly.
Before presenting the Budget, let me thank all of you Distinguished and Honourable Members of the National Assembly, for your avowed commitment to cooperate with the Executive to accelerate the pace of our socio-economic development and enhance the welfare of our people.
I will also once again thank all Nigerians, who have demonstrated confidence in our ability to deliver on our socio-economic development agenda, by re-electing this Administration with a mandate to Continue the Change. We remain resolutely committed to the actualization of our vision of a bright and prosperous future for all Nigerians.
During this address, I will present highlights of our budget proposals for the next fiscal year. The Honourable Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning will provide full details of these proposals, subsequently.

OVERVIEW OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENTS IN 2019

The economic environment remains very challenging, globally. The International Monetary Fund expects global economic recovery to slow down from 3.6 percent in 2018 to 3.5 percent in 2020. This reflects uncertainties arising from security and trade tensions with attendant implications on commodity price volatility.
Nearer to home, however, Sub-Saharan Africa is projected to continue to grow from 3.1 percent in 2018 to 3.6 percent in 2020. This is driven by investor confidence, oil production recovery in key exporting countries, sustained strong agricultural production as well as public investment in non-dependent economies.
Mr. Senate President; Right Honourable Speaker; I am pleased to report that the Nigerian economy thus far has recorded nine consecutive quarters of GDP growth. Annual growth increased from 0.82 percent in 2017 to 1.93 percent in 2018, and 2.02 percent in the first half of 2019. The continuous recovery reflects our economy’s resilience and gives credence to the effectiveness of our economic policies thus far.
We also succeeded in significantly reducing inflation from a peak of 18.72 percent in January 2017, to 11.02 percent by August 2019. This was achieved through effective fiscal and monetary policy coordination, exchange rate stability and sensible management of our foreign exchange.
We have sustained accretion to our external reserves, which have risen from US$23 billionin October 2016 to about US$42.5 billion by August 2019. The increase is largely due to favourable prices of crude oil in the international market, minimal disruption of crude oil production given the stable security situation in the Niger Delta region and our import substitution drive, especially in key commodities.
The foreign exchange market has also remained stable due to the effective implementation of the Central Bank’s interventions to restore liquidity, improve access and discourage currency speculation. Special windows were created that enabled small businesses, investors and importers in priority economic sectors to have timely access to foreign exchange.
Furthermore, as a sign of increased investor confidence in our economy, there were remarkable inflows of foreign capital in the second quarter of 2019. The total value of capital imported into Nigeria increased from US$12 billionin the first half year of 2018 to US$14 billion for the same period in 2019.

PERFORMANCE OF THE 2019 BUDGET

Distinguished and Honourable Members of the National Assembly, you will recall that the 2019 ‘Budget of Continuity’ was based on a benchmark oil price of US$60 per barrel, oil production of 2.3 mbpd, and an exchange rate of N305to the United States Dollar. Based on these parameters, we projected a deficit of N1.918 trillion or 1.37 percent of Gross Domestic Product.
As at June 2019, Federal Government’s actual aggregate revenue (excluding Government-Owned Enterprises) was N2.04 trillion. This revenue performance is only 58 percent of the 2019 Budget’s target due to the underperformance of both oil and non-oil revenue sources. Specifically, oil revenues were below target by 49 percent as at June 2019. This reflects the lower-than-projected oil production, deductions for cost under-recovery on supply of premium motor spirit (PMS), as well as higher expenditures on pipeline security/maintenance and Frontier exploration.
Daily oil production averaged 1.86 mbpd as at June 2019, as against the estimated 2.3 mbpd that was assumed. This shortfall was partly offset as the market price of Bonny Light crude oil averaged US$67.20 per barrel which was higher than the benchmark price of US$60.
Additionally, revenue projections from restructuring of Joint Venture Oil and Gas assets and enactment of new fiscal terms for Production Sharing Contracts did not materialize, as the enabling legislation for these reforms is yet to be passed into law.
The performance of non-oil taxes and independent revenues such as internally generated revenues were N614.57 billionand N217.84 billion, respectively.
Receipts from Value Added Tax were below expectations due to lower levels of activities in certain economic sectors, in the aftermath of national elections. Corporate taxes were affected by the seasonality of collections, which tend to peak in the second half of the calendar year.
On the expenditure side, 2019 Budget implementation was also hindered by the combination of delay in its approval and the underperformance of revenue collections. As such, only recurrent expenditure items have been implemented substantially. Of the prorated expenditure of N4.46 trillionbudgeted, N3.39 trillion had been spent by June 30, 2019.
In compliance with the provisions of the 2018 Appropriation Act, we implemented the 2018 capital budget till June 2019. Capital releases under the 2019 Budget commenced in the third quarter. As at 30th September 2019, a total of about N294.63 billionhad been released for capital projects. I have directed the Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning to release an additional N600 billion of the 2019 capital budget by the end of the year.
Despite the delay in capital releases, a deficit of N1.35 trillionwas recorded at end of June 2019. This represents 70 percent of the budgeted deficit for the full year.
Despite these anomalies, I am happy to report that we met our debt service obligations, we are current on staff salaries and overhead costs have also been largely covered.

2020 BUDGET PRIORITIES

Distinguished Senators, Honourable Members, let me now turn to the 2020 Appropriation, which is designed to be a budget of:
Fiscal consolidation, to strengthen our macroeconomic environment;
Investingin critical infrastructure, human capital development and enabling institutions, especially in key job creating sectors;
Incentivisingprivate sector investment essential to complement the Government’s development plans, policies and programmes; and
Enhancing our social investment programs to further deepen their impact on those marginalised and most vulnerable Nigerians.

PARAMETERS & FISCAL ASSUMPTIONS UNDERPINNING THE APPROPRIATION BILL AND THE FINANCE BILL

Distinguished and Honourable Members of the National Assembly, the 2020-2022 Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) and Fiscal Strategy Paper (FSP) set out the parameters for the 2020 Budget. We have adopted a conservative oil price benchmark of US$57per barrel, daily oil production estimate of 2.18 mbpd and an exchange rate of N305 per US Dollar for 2020.
We expect enhanced real GDP growth of 2.93% in 2020, driven largely by non-oil output, as economic diversification accelerates, and the enabling business environment improves. However, inflation is expected to remain slightly above single digits in 2020.
Accompanying the 2020 Budget Proposal is a Finance Bill for your kind consideration and passage into law. This Finance Bill has five strategic objectives, in terms of achieving incremental, but necessary, changes to our fiscal laws. These objectives are:
Promoting fiscal equity by mitigating instances of regressive taxation;
Reforming domestic tax laws to align with global best practices;
Introducing tax incentives for investments in infrastructure and capital markets;
Supporting Micro, Small and Medium-sized businesses in line with our Ease of Doing Business Reforms; and
Raising Revenues for Government.
The draft Finance Bill proposes an increase of the VAT rate from 5% to 7.5%. As such, the 2020 Appropriation Bill is based on this new VAT rate. The additional revenues will be used to fund health, education and infrastructure programmes. As the States and Local Governments are allocated 85% of all VAT revenues, we expect to see greater quality and efficiency in their spending in these areas as well.
The VAT Act already exempts pharmaceuticals, educational items, and basic commodities, which exemptions we are expanding under the Finance Bill, 2019. Specifically, Section 46 of the Finance Bill, 2019 expands the exempt items to include the following:
Brown and white bread;
Cereals including maize, rice, wheat, millet, barley and sorghum;
Fish of all kinds;
Flour and starch meals;
Fruits, nuts, pulses and vegetables of various kinds;
Roots such as yam, cocoyam, sweet and Irish potatoes;
Meat and poultry products including eggs;
Milk;
Salt and herbs of various kinds; and
Natural water and table water.
Additionally, our proposals also raise the threshold for VAT registration to N25 millionin turnover per annum, such that the revenue authorities can focus their compliance efforts on larger businesses thereby bringing relief for our Micro, Small and Medium-sized businesses.
It is absolutely essential to intensify our revenue generation efforts. That said, this Administration remains committed to ensuring that the inconvenience associated with any fiscal policy adjustments, is moderated, such that the poor and the vulnerable, who are most at risk, do not bear the brunt of these reforms.

FEDERAL GOVERNMENT REVENUE ESTIMATES

The sum of N8.155 trillionis estimated as the total Federal Government revenue in 2020 and comprises oil revenue N2.64 trillion, non-oil tax revenues of N1.81 trillion and other revenues of N3.7 trillion. This is 7 percent higher than the 2019 comparative estimate of N7.594 trillion inclusive of the Government Owned Enterprises.
The increasing share of non-oil revenues underscores our confidence in our revenue diversification strategies, going forward. Furthermore, in our efforts to enhance transparency and accountability, we shall continue our strict implementation of Treasury Single Account (TSA) to capture the domiciliary accounts in our foreign missions and those linked to Government Owned Enterprises.

PLANNED 2020 EXPENDITURE

An aggregate expenditure of N10.33 trillionis proposed for the Federal Government in 2020. The expenditure estimate includes statutory transfers of N556.7 billion, non-debt recurrent expenditure of N4.88 trillion and N2.14 trillion of capital expenditure (excluding the capital component of statutory transfers). Debt service is estimated at N2.45 trillion, and provision for Sinking Fund to retire maturing bonds issued to local contractors is N296 billion.

STATUTORY TRANSFERS

The sum of N556.7 billionis provided for Statutory Transfers in the 2020 Budget and includes:
N125 billionfor the National Assembly;
N110 billionfor the Judiciary;
N37.83 billionfor the North East Development Commission (NEDC);
N44.5 billionfor the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF);
N111.79 billion for the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC); and
N80.88 billionfor the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), which is now supervised by the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs.
We have increased the budgetary allocation to the National Human Rights Commission from N1.5 billionto N2.5 billion. This 67 percent increase in funding is done to enable the Commission to perform its functions more effectively.

RECURRENT EXPENDITURE

The non-debt recurrent expenditure includes N3.6 trillion for personnel and pension costs, an increase of N620.28 billionover 2019. This increase reflects the new minimum wage as well as our proposals to improve remuneration and welfare of our Police and Armed Forces. You will all agree that Good Governance, Inclusive Growth and Collective Prosperity can only be sustained in an environment of peace and security.
Our fiscal reforms shall introduce new performance management frameworks to regulate the cost to revenue ratios for Government Owned Enterprises, which shall come under significant scrutiny. We will reward exceptional revenue and cost management performance, while severe consequences will attend failures to achieve agreed revenue targets.
We shall also sustain our efforts in managing personnel costs. Accordingly, I have directed the stoppage of the salary of any Federal Government staff that is not captured on the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS) platform by the end of October 2019. All agencies must obtain the necessary approvals before embarking on any fresh recruitment and any contraventions of these directives shall attract severe sanctions.
Overhead costs are projected at N426.6 billionin 2020. Additional provisions were made only for the newly created Ministries. I am confident that the benefits of these new Ministries as it relates to efficient and effective service delivery to our citizens significantly outweighs their budgeted costs.
That said, the respective Heads of MDAs must ensure strict adherence to government regulations regarding expenditure control measures. The proliferation of Zonal, State and Liaison Offices by Federal Ministries, Departments and Agencies (‘MDAs’), with attendant avoidable increase in public expenditure, will no longer be tolerated.

CAPITAL EXPENDITURE

As I mentioned earlier, investing in critical infrastructure is a key component of our fiscal strategy under the 2020 Budget Proposals. Accordingly, an aggregate sum ofN2.46 trillion (inclusive of N318.06 billion in statutory transfers) is proposed for capital projects in 2020.

Although the 2020 capital budget is N721.33 billion(or 23 percent) lower than the 2019 budget provision of N3.18 trillion, it is still higher than the actual and projected capital expenditure outturns for both the 2018 and 2019 fiscal years, respectively. However, at 24 percent of aggregate projected expenditure, the 2020 provision falls significantly short of the 30 percent target in the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP) 2017-2020.
The main emphasis will be the completion of as many ongoing projects as possible, rather than commencing new ones. MDAs have not been allowed to admit new projects into their capital budget for 2020, unless adequate provision has been made for the completion of ALL ongoing projects.
Accordingly, we have rolled over capital projects that are not likely to be fully funded by the end of 2019 into the 2020 Budget. We are aware that the National Assembly shares our view that these projects should be prioritised and given adequate funding in the 2020 Appropriation Act.
Therefore, I will once again commend the 9^thNational Assembly’s firm commitment to stop the unnecessary cycle of delayed annual budgets. I am confident that with our renewed partnership, the deliberations on the 2020 Budget shall be completed before the end of 2019 so that the Appropriation Act will come into effect by the 1^st of January.
Some of the key capital spending allocations in the 2020 Budget include:
Works and Housing:N262 billion;
Power: N127 billion;
Transportation: N123 billion;
Universal Basic Education Commission: N112 billion;
Defence: N100 billion;
Zonal Intervention Projects: N100 billion;
Agriculture and Rural Development: N83 billion;
Water Resources:N82 billion;
Niger Delta Development Commission: N81 billion;
Education:N48 billion;
Health: N46 billion;
Industry, Trade and Investment: N40 billion;
North East Development Commission: N38 billion;
Interior: N35 billion;
Social Investment Programmes: N30 billion;
Federal Capital Territory: N28 billion; and
Niger Delta Affairs Ministry: N24 billion.
Although Government’s actual spending has reduced, our plans to leverage private sector funding through our tax credit schemes will ensure our capital programmes are sustained.
For example, we launched the Road Infrastructure Tax Credit Scheme, pursuant to which I have approved the construction and rehabilitation of 19 Nigerian roads and bridges of 794.4km across 11 States. Indeed, the Scheme has attracted private investment of over N205 billion and the first set of tax credits are being processed by the Federal Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning.
As I mentioned during my Independence Day Speech, under the Presidential Power Initiative, we will modernise the National Grid in 3 phases; starting from 5 Gigawatts to 7 Gigawatts, then to 11 Gigawatts by 2023, and finally 25 Gigawatts afterwards in collaboration with the German Government and Siemens.

BUDGET DEFICIT

Budget deficit is projected to be N2.18 trillionin 2020. This includes drawdowns on project-tied loans and the related capital expenditure.
This represents 1.52 percent of estimated GDP, well below the 3 percent threshold set by the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2007, and in line with the ERGP target of 1.96 percent.
The deficit will be financed by new foreign and domestic borrowings, Privatization Proceeds, signature bonuses and drawdowns on the loans secured for specific development projects.

DEBT SERVICE

Nigeria remains committed to meeting its debt service obligations. Accordingly, we provided the sum of N2.45 trillionfor debt service. Of this amount, 71 percent is to service domestic debt which accounts for about 68 percent of the total debt. The sum of N296 billion is provided for the Sinking Fund to retire maturing bonds issued to local contractors.
I am confident that our aggressive and re-energised revenue drive will maintain debt-revenue ratio at acceptable and manageable levels. We will also continue to be innovative in our borrowings by using instruments such as Sukuk, Green Bonds and Diaspora Bonds.

SOCIAL INVESTMENT PROGRAMME

Our government remains committed to ensuring the equitable sharing of economic prosperity. Our focus on inclusive growth and shared prosperity underscores our keen interest in catering for the poor and most vulnerable. Accordingly, we are revamping and improving the implementation of the National Social Investment Programme through the newly created Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development.
The National Social Investment Programme is already creating jobs and economic opportunity for local farmers and cooks, providing funding to artisans, traders, youths, and supporting small businesses with business education and mentoring.
The provision of N65 billionfor the Presidential Amnesty Programme has been retained in the 2020 Budget. Furthermore, to fast track the rebuilding efforts in the North East region, a provision of N37.83 billion has been made for the North East Development Commission.

OTHER STRATEGIC PRIORITIES IN 2020

The 2020 Budget is expected to accelerate the pace of our economic recovery, promote economic diversification, enhance competitiveness and ensure social inclusion. We are optimistic of attaining higher and more inclusive GDP growth in order to achieve our objective of massive job creation and lifting many of our citizens out of poverty.
The efficiency of port operations will also be enhanced by implementing a single customs window, speeding up vessel and cargo handling and issuing more licenses to build modern terminals in existing ports, especially outside Lagos.
Furthermore, completing the reforms to the governance and fiscal terms of the Petroleum Industry will provide certainty and attract further investments into the sector. A consequence of this will be increase in jobs and in government’s take. I therefore seek your support in passing into law two Petroleum Industry Executive Bills I will be forwarding to you shortly.
In addition, we need to quickly review the fiscal terms for deep offshore oil fields to reflect the current realities and for more revenue to accrue to the government. The Deep Offshore and Inland Basin Production Sharing Contract (Amendment) Bill 2018, was submitted to the 8^thNational Assembly in June 2018 but was unfortunately not passed into law.
I will be re-forwarding the Bill to this Assembly very shortly and therefore urge you to pass it. We estimate that this effort can generate at least 500 million US dollars additional revenue for the Federal Government in 2020, and over one billion dollars from 2021.
Whilst the Budget is our principal fiscal tool to achieve these socio-economic development targets, we remain committed to prudently planning for our future economic prosperity. In this regard, I have directed the reconstituted Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning to commence preparations towards the development of successor medium – and long-term economic development plans, particularly as the Nigeria Vision 20-2020 and the ERGP expire next year.

CONCLUSION

Mr. Senate President, Mr. Speaker, Distinguished and Honourable Members of the National Assembly, this speech would be incomplete without, once again, commending the patriotic resolve of the 9^thNational Assembly to collaborate with the Executive in the effort to deliver inclusive growth and enhance the welfare our people. I assure you of the strong commitment of the Executive to deepen the relationship with the National Assembly.
As you review the 2020-2022 Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) and Fiscal Strategy Paper (FSP), as well as the 2020 Budget estimates, we believe that the legislative process will be quick, so as to restore the country to the January-December financial year.
It is with great pleasure therefore, that I lay before this Distinguished Joint Session of the National Assembly, the 2020 Budget Proposals of the Federal Government of Nigeria.
I thank you most sincerely for your attention.
May God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

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Imo North Senate Seat: The Dire Imperative For Continuity By Senator (Engr) Patrick Ndubueze For The Eleventh Senate

Published

1 week ago

May 5, 2026

The Gleamer

(By Jim C.Isilebo).

As the tempo of political activities hightens preceeding the conduct of 2027 General elections in the country,expectedly,all political actors jostling for one elective office or the other,have concurrently raised their preparation and maneuvers towards the actualization of their respective aspirations of being elected..

A cursory survey of the recent developments in Imo North Senatorial District of Imo state,is indicative of the emergence of various interest groups with all categories of individuals for her Senatorial seat presently occupied by one of the most valuable revelations of Nigeria’s 10th Senate, Distinguished Senator Patrick Chinwuba Ndubueze,a thorough bred and consumate professional engineer from Umualumoke Okigwe local government area of Imo state.

According to an Imo-born commentator on public affairs and age-long ally of the Senator,Chief Ethelbert Nwachukwu,whom over the years have monitored his political trajectory,this uncommon politician who was once a member of House of Representatives at a relatively young age of twenty eight,in the early nineties during the Abacha-aborted political experimentation of former head of state General Ibrahim Babangida,Ndubueze,commenced his quest of representing the people of Imo North Senatorial District,or Okigwe zone of a wider geographical space with his sojourn at DPN.

Ever seen then,he has perennially continued to make relentless efforts in virtually every election cycle towards actualizing his avowed target,despite advises from friends and associates to step down and take another shot at the lower house of Representatives.

Over the years,keen watchers of contemporary political development in Imo North Senatorial district will attest to the fact that on each of the occasions of his contest for this Senate seat,he won at both the primaries and main elections,but unfortunately was denied victory pronouncement by the notorious ‘Nigerian factor’.

But finally providence smiled at Ndubueze in the 2023 general election when his long-sort aspiration came to fruition as he emerged victorious at both the elections and courts.

At this juncture Senator Ndubueze being a resolutely committed Christian,in recompense for answered prayers to God made a vow to commit all his energy and resources towards a desirable and valuable stewardship to the good people of Okigwe Senatorial zone,as he immediately rolled up his sleeves and went to work which has yielded enviable dividends since the advent of the present political dispensation as shown below.

ROAD NETWORKS INFRASTRUCTURES

Senator Ndubueze, as an unsullied and home-bred politician,coupled with his professional training as a tested civil engineer, clearly understood the challenges of his people.

Following which he firmly pledged to his people during his electioneering campaign to do everything within the ambits of his powers,capability,and capacity to ensure that the key interconnecting roads in Okigwe zone were well captured in the Appropriation Acts.

He envisaged that if there is an intentional,honest and diligent pursuit in the execution implementation of these projects, it will bring communities within the zone much closer to one another,thus awakening their realisation of oneness.

In pursuant to this,during his short-lived tenure as Senate Committee Chairman on Works,Senator Ndubueze facilitated the capturing of several roads within the zone in the 2024 Appropriation Act,some of which are advanced completion stages, or about commencement at the moment.They include;

(i) Umuelemai-Ikpem-Orreh-Umualumoke-Enugu/PH Expressway(25km.Linking Isiala-Mbano,Ehime-Mbano,Onuimo,and Okigwe.

(ii) Ishinweke-Uboma-Ugwaka-Ezinnachi-Ogii-Enugu/PH Expressway(29 5kms).Linking Okigwe,Ihitte-Uboma & extending to Obowo.

(iii) Afor Umuna-Umuduruegbeaguru-Ndiadimoha road(13kms).Linking Okigwe and Onuimo.

(iv) Aba branch-Eke Ahiara-Okpala road.Linking Ehime- Mbano,Ahiazu-Mbaise,Abor-Mbaise & Ngor Okpala.

Complimentary to the above,Senator Ndubueze have also leveraged on his Vice-chairmanship of the Senate Committee on Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC),to facilitate in capturing of some arterial road projects and other vital infrastructures as,Skills Acquisition Centers,Construction/Reconstruction of dilapidated schools infrastructure,Solar community lifgting projects,in their 2025/26 budgetary year.He is assidiously working towards the successfull processing and execution of these projects in the nearest future.

SPONSORSHIP OF BILLS & MOTIONS.

Being cognitive of the fact that conventionally the basic responsibility of the Legislature across the globe,ditto our National Assembly,is law-making.

Therefore Senator Ndubueze during his electioneering campaign resolutely reassured his constituents of their voices literally re-echoing oncemore at the floor of the Red chambers.

The Senator have never reneged on this promise as shown in his robust participation with constructive and vital inputs at both plenary and committee levels in the Senate over the last three years.

Comparative records available on a substantial percentage of his colleagues from the South East zone and nationally are clearly indicative of his excellent and commendable delivery in sponsorship, core-sponsorship of critical Bills and Motions.

Some of these Bills have been passed and accented by the President,whereas some are either awaiting Presidential accents or at their various stages of Bills passage.They include:-
*(A) Bills;*

(i) Project Development Agency(PRODA) Bill-2023(SB 49).

(ii) Public Partnership Regulatory Commission Bill-2023(SB 131)

(iii) National Road Fund Bill,2023(SB 60).
(iv) National Centre For Cancer Research & Treatment(Establishment) Bill 2024(SB 347).

(v) Federal University Okigwe,Imo state(Establishment)2024.

(vi) Federal Medical Centre (Ammendment)Bill 2023(SB-315).*Note*:Originated from the House,but aided speedy/ seamless Senate Concurrence.

(vii) Local Automative Industry Patronage Bill,2023(SB 315).

*(B)Motions(Sponsored/Co-sponsored)*.

(i) Need to investigate the controversial huge expenditures on Premium Motor Spirit(PMS)under the subsidy recovery regime of NNPC,11th July 2023(Sponsored).

(ii) Need to holistically investigate the disbursement of loans by Development Bank of Nigeria NIRSAL,and related banks to Micro, Small,and Medium scale Enterprises(MSME)in Nigeria from 2015 to date,12th July 2023.(Co-sponsored).

(iii) Collapse of Road Infrastructure in Nigeria, 19th July 2023.

(iv)Poor state of roads Infrastructure/menace of Gully Erosion in Nigeria,19th July 2023.(Co-sponsored).

(v) Condemnation of the disruptive nature of of ‘Sit-at-Home’ demonstrations in the South East,26th July 2023.

(vi) Urgent need to balance geo-political representation in ministerial appointments,7th August 2023.

(vii) Urgent need to withdraw from schools the book “Fundamentals of Civic Education for Basic 8(JSS2) by Shola Akinyemi,5th October 2023.

(viii) Urgent need to upgrade the Eastern Rail Line,traversing PH-Enugu-Maiduguri)from Narrow Gauge Rail, 15th November 2023.

(ix) Introduction of Food Stamps in Nigeria as interim measure to address Imminent food insecurity in the country, 21st February 2024.
JINX-BREAKING LEGACY PROJECTS.

Aside from all the major roads interconnecting the six local government areas of the state which Senator Ndubueze is consciously pursuing for eventual implementation,because on completion they will all outlive our generation,there are remarkable pivotal projects,he conceptualized to lift the entire zone off its current state as the least developed in Imo state.They are;

*(1)Greater Okigwe Regional Power Project*.

One key pivotal legacy projects that Senator Patrick Ndubueze will for ever be associated with by posterity and remembered for are his roles in addressing the age-long concerning electricity challenge that has bedeviled Okigwe zone for several years now. In a bid to resolving it, Senator Ndubueze from first day in office took,the Bull by the horns and embarked on the Greater Okigwe Regional Power Project in pursuit of solutions in synergy with various relevant Federal government agencies,robustly supported by his Excellency the governor of Imo state Senator Hope Uzodinma.

This multibillion naira venture pursuit by the Senator has eventually led to the awards and implementation of multiple contracts by different Electricity-related Federal government agencies,ie,Transmission Company of Nigeria(TCN) and FGN-Power Holding Company,resulting in errection of mega transmission towers with their complimenting power lines.

Just recently,the entire Okigwe people,Imolites and the adjoining state of Abia heartily heralded the arrival to Okigwe of the long-awaited gigantic 1/63MVA MOBITRA sub-station,which when eventually energised will turn around the development pace of the Senatorial zone.

*(2)Federal University Okigwe*

Cognitive of the fact that Okigwe Senatorial District is the only zone in Imo state without a full fledged University(state or federal),Senator Ndubueze promptly pushed for one on his assumption of office by presenting a Bill he had earlier conceptualized even before elected.

He assidiously and diligently followed it up from reading,passage and accent by Mr President, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu(GCFR),and also have not ceased in profusely appreciating the unquantifiable enormous contributions of His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Imo state,Senator Hope Uzodinma(GCON),in seeing this dream come to fruition.

This omnibus institution, which will attract multibillion naira investments into the zone from governmental and non-governmental organisations from within and outside the country on commencement will positively expedite a preponderance of positive economic activities,not only within its immediate location,but also the zone at large.

*(3)Ezinnachi Regional Grain Silo

In recent months, Senator Ndubueze have meaningfully engaged constructively with authorities of Federal Ministry of Agriculture on this abandoned Grain Silo sighted in Ezinnachi to serve the South East geopolitical zone.

The interactions which are yielding very positive results will lead to the relocation and expansion of the facility to more appropriate site.When completed,this will be of huge benefits to farmers within the zone that will put it to maximum utility.

It is worthy of note that on completion of these mega projects in the zone, they will on aggregate attract a whooping investment over two hundred billion *(N200billion)* to Okigwe zone,which is not by any standard a mean feat.

Therefore,it will be foolhardy and unimaginable for Okigwe people to trust the execution and conclusion of these critical infrastructures in the hands of individuals who are utterly alien and distanced from their conceptualization and direction,or understand the vision of their promoter,Senator Patrick Ndubueze.

HUMAN CAPITAL DEVELOPMENT.
In view of the intractable unemployment and under-employment challenges plaguing the country for a very long time,moreso as at affects his constituents,Senator Ndubueze, on assumption of office have been inundated daily will countless requests from his many of his ably qualified youths seeking for assistance in this regard or aided in undertaking improved skills re-tooling programs to face this daunting realities.

In striving to address this huge problems within his capacity, Senator Ndubueze have been spiritedly making attempts by exploring available opportunities within relevant Federal and state government ministeries,departments and agencies (MDA’s),all aimed at meaningfully engaging,empowering and employing the much in this overwhelming pool he can be able to assist.

Sequel to this, he has facilitated the following beneficiaries in gaining from the following efforts:
(i) International Capacity Building in China

BATCH-A.: “Seminar on Frontier Health Quarantine for officials of developing countries”.● Ekwebelem Isdore Ikechukwu.●Onyeka Gospel Tony Chinasa.●Ihekweme Mbazuike Anthony.

BATCH-B. “Seminar on Malaria control for developing countries”.●Iwuoha Chinedum Chimezie.●Eze Ndukauba.●Ogbonna Emmanuel Chidi.

BATCH-C: “Seminar on Law-based and Internationalised Business Environment for BRI countries.●Nwaudo Arinze Onyeonoro.

BATCH-D: “Seminar on Emergency Telecom Network for Developing Countries”.●Chigozie Samuel Onwuegbu.

BATCH-E: “Seminar on Agricultural Biotechnology for developing countries”.●Ezekwem Christopher Chukwudi.●Henry Chinedu Onwudiwe.
*(2)Federal Ministry of Steel Boot-Camp Training Program*.

As Chairman Senate Committee on Steel Development,Senator Patrick Ndubueze has leveraged on that opportunity to facilitate the participation of twenty-one(21) youths on the ministry’s one-month apprenticeship tutelage program at the Metalurgical Training Institute, Onitsha, in March 2025, after which they were all equipped with expendive specialised starter-packs to assist in their vocational take off.

The beneficiaries are;■ Ezeala Osinachi

Stanley.

■Ikechukwu Onyemaechi.

■Uwazurike Nzubechi Edith.

■Ezekwem Wilson Uchenna.

■Onyekaonwu Evans Obinna.

■Esilonu Uche Henry.

■Alisi Chukwuemeka Christopher.

■Ezekwem Chimezie Isdore.

■Ogbonna Patrick Santos.

■Osuji Ifeanyi.

■Okebata Isioma.

■Okafor Sandra.

■Onwe Chioma Lora.

■Onwu Onyedi.■

Ilo Chinwendu.

■Sopuruchi Uwa.

■Ozoemena Herbert.

■Oluchi Precious.

■Nzubechi Edith.

■Uwa Festus.

■Okenna Goodluck.

In addition to all the above,and within his first two years at the Senate,Engineer Patrick Ndubueze has also aided four (4) of his constituents skilled personnel in travelling to Kuwait and meaningfully engaged.
EMPLOYMENT/TRAINING IN MINISTRIES DEPARTMENTS & AGENCIES(MDA’s).

(a) *National Steel Council*.● Keke Elvis Nnaemeka.●Maduabuchi Ngozi Genevieve.●Mbiaka Kennedy Chinedum.●Ezekwem Christopher Chukwudi.●Chukwuma Cyril Chukwuebuka.●Madu Kingsley Ifeanyi●Igonor Rebecca Ufor.●Bekee Esther Chioma.

*(b).National Steel Raw Material Exploration Agency*.●Ike Phubian Nneka. ●Ebo Emeka Christopher. ●Ohaneje Chinonso●Onyemelusi Gabriel .●Ogechi Igwe. ●Nnanna Obinna.●Ike Justice Chigozie.

*(c) Nigerian Police Forcel(Officers Cadre)*●Akubuike Chinemerem Patrick. ●Oti Nzubechi Marcellus.●Anyanwu Deborah. ●Obialor Chinemerem Miriam. ●Onyejide Elizabeth.

*(d) Nigerian Navy(Officers Cadre)*■Anyanwu Divine.■Uche Bunny Chinua.■Wilson David Eyo.

*(e) Nigerian Army(Officers Cadre)*.●Dominic Chijindu Franklin.

*(f) Nigerian Police Academy*■Iwuozor Precious Udochukwu.

*(g)University of Agriculture & Environmental Sciences,Umuagwo Imo state (Employment)*●Ojiridike Ibe Steve. ●Egbulonu Uche.●Dr Irene Onwuegbute.

*(h) Federal University Teaching Hospital(former FMC)Owerri (Employment)*.●Dr Loveth Chibuka Onwuegbu.

*(i)National Assembly Services Commission*●Onyekaonwu Justina Nnenna.

DECEMBER 31ST 2024 OKIGWE MEGA EMPOWERMENT.

On the 31st of December 2024,Senator Ndubueze pulled off one of the most ambitious Senatorial empowerment programme since the advent of the current democratic dispensation in 1999.

The event which was witnessed by the the Executive Governor of Imo state His Excellency Senator Hope Uzodinma,his wife and a large of the state Executive and Legislative arms,saw Senator Ndubueze dispensing to lucky beneficiary-constituents first in the zone’s history large number of empowerment items as start-up aids or in support of their respective businesses.

The items include;●19 Mini buses.●10 Tricycles.●119 Grinding machines.●96 Sewing machines.●22 Power Generating sets.●23 Laptops. ●23 Refrigerators.●12 Motorcycles.

MISCELLANEOUS INTERVENTIONS.

(a) Embarked on distribution of 4000 bags of rice to less privileged and windows across the six local government areas of Okigwe.

(b)Procurement and installation of (500),five hundred solar-powered street lights in various communities in the zone.

In conclusion,some of the rare virtues of Distinguished Senator Patrick Chinwuba Ndubueze,that has aptly earned him the appellation as an “uncommon Senator” ,is his striking straightforwardness & bluntness in engagement on issues.

Ndubueze will hardly promise you what he clearly knows will have challenges in fulfilment and therefore stays safe without such commitments.

If you’re the type who believes that our political representatives should convert our infrastructural dividends to liquid cash for the purpose of freely dispensing same to attract followership like “Father Christmas” as against deploying it rightfully for the development of the generality of his constituents,you may find it difficult to be his fan.

In fact he once joked that….” if he was to appropriate to himself half the value of these mega projects he brought home and share it amongst his fans in the 64 wards of his constituency,he will be worshipped by them,but at the expenseof God’s wrath”.

He is also focused and resilient in pursuant of his set objectives.

Senator Ndubueze, who is a workaholic,also is comfortable living a basically simple & affordable lifestyle,which reflects in his non-flamboyant dressing mode,leisure,food and drinks.As a matter of fact,Ndubueze best drink is fanta orange,and sparingly takes quarter-glass of wine,amongst friends and associates.

Even the type of automobiles he opts to use are indicative of his life choice.Till date he happens to be about the only Senator in the National Assembly who has “stubbornly” stuck with his belief in patronising “Made in Nigeria” vehicles.

He proudly drives and parades his INNOSON SUV at work daily and everywhere he goes in Abuja,as an exemplification of identifying with the inherent principles of his Local Automative Industry Patronage Bill,which incidentally is in sync with Mr President’s promotion of “Nigeria First initiative”.

*Chief Isilebo,is a Consultant on Strategic Communication,and writes from Abuja, Nigeria*

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