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NDDC Presents N1.911 Trillion Budget for 2024: A Shift Towards Sustainable Development in Niger Delta
NDDC Presents N1.911 Trillion Budget for 2024: A Shift Towards Sustainable Development in Niger Delta
By: Our Reporter
The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has submitted its budget proposal of N1.911 trillion for 2024 to the Senate Committee on the NDDC, emphasizing a theme of “Budget of Renewed Hope” aligned with the Federal Government’s budgetary goals. Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, the Managing Director of NDDC, highlighted the transition from transactional to transformational focus within the budget, involving stakeholders across the Niger Delta Region in a participatory budgeting process.
The 2024 budget is designed to bolster sustainable economic development efforts, with a strong emphasis on fostering a greener future. The total proposed expenditure stands at N1.911 trillion, with revenue projections sourced from various avenues. These include an opening balance of N12 billion, arrears and recoveries from Federal Government Agencies amounting to N170 billion, funds from development/commercial banks totaling N1 trillion, Federal Government statutory transfers of N324 billion, and contributions from the Ecological Fund and oil & gas companies among others.
A key highlight of the budget is the prioritization of investments in critical infrastructure as part of the fiscal strategy for 2024. Recognizing the limitations of the Commission to address all development challenges single-handedly, the management is embracing a Public-Private-Partnership model to drive sustainable development in the Niger Delta Region effectively.
The NDDC’s 2024 budget proposal signifies a strategic shift towards a more sustainable and collaborative approach to development in the Niger Delta. By engaging various stakeholders and leveraging partnerships, the Commission aims to catalyze positive change and address long-standing challenges in the region, paving the way for a brighter future characterized by growth, prosperity, and hope for all its inhabitants.
NDDC Presents N1.911 Trillion Budget for 2024: A Shift Towards Sustainable Development in Niger Delta
News
Troops Recover Rifle, Ammunition During Clearance Operation in Borno
Troops Recover Rifle, Ammunition During Clearance Operation in Borno
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of 403 Amphibious Brigade, in collaboration with members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), have recovered arms and ammunition during a clearance operation along a major supply route in Borno State.
Security sources told Zagazola that the recovery was made at about 12:00 p.m. on April 29 during a shoulder clearance operation along the Baga–Cross Kauwa road in Kukawa Local Government Area.

The sources said the operation, conducted by troops alongside Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) personnel and civilian volunteers, was part of ongoing efforts to secure the main supply route and prevent insurgent activities.
According to the sources, items recovered include one AK-47 rifle, one magazine and 30 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.

They added that no contact was made with any suspected terrorists during the operation, which was carried out successfully without incident.
The sources said troops would continue clearance and surveillance operations to ensure sustained security along key routes in the area.
Troops Recover Rifle, Ammunition During Clearance Operation in Borno
News
Borno Adopts Gubio as APC Consensus Governorship Candidate
Borno Adopts Gubio as APC Consensus Governorship Candidate
By: Our Reporter
Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, on Thursday, presented Engr. Mustafa Gubio, the APC Governorship consensus candidate to Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
Governor Zulum, who described the emergence of the candidate as the outcome of extensive consultations across party stakeholders.

According to Zulum, the decision reflects a unified position within the party in the state. He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as “strategic leadership, support and guidance” to both the government and the APC.
“I wish to express my profound gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the leadership he is providing in the country and for the enormous support to Borno State as well as the APC, which has been unprecedented,” the governor said.
“ I would also like to commend the President, who has been instrumental in the emergence of Gubio as the consensus candidate.
Zulum also acknowledged the Vice President’s support in strengthening party cohesion in the state and for his support of the consensus candidate.

He further appreciated the APC leadership at all levels, party stakeholders, and the state’s residents for their support, prayers, and steadfastness, which he said paved the way for Gubio’s emergence.
The governor had earlier unveiled Engr. Mustapha Gubio as his preferred successor on Monday after purchasing the party’s Nomination and Expression of Interest forms for the 2027 governorship election under the APC platform.

Those in attendance during the presentation of the consensus candidate include former Governor, Senator Maina Ma’aji Lawan; Deputy Governor, Hon. Umar Usman Kadafur; APC Deputy National Chairman, Hon. Ali Bukar Dalori; Senators Mohanmed Tahir Monguno; Mohamed Ali Ndume and Kaka Shehu Lawan SAN, Speaker Borno State House of Assembly; Hon Abdulkarim Lawan; Minister of Agriculture, Hon Abubakar Kyari and Hon. Abdulkadir Rahis.
Borno Adopts Gubio as APC Consensus Governorship Candidate
News
No Badge Should Become a License to Kill — NHRC Condemns Alleged Extrajudicial Killing in Delta
No Badge Should Become a License to Kill — NHRC Condemns Alleged Extrajudicial Killing in Delta
By: Michael Mike
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has issued a strong condemnation of the alleged extrajudicial killing of a 28-year-old Nigerian, Mene Ogidi, reportedly shot by a police officer in Effurun, warning that the authority of law enforcement must never be abused to take lives unlawfully.
In a statement released in Abuja, the Executive Secretary of the Commission, Tony Ojukwu, described the April 26 incident as “deeply disturbing” and a direct violation of constitutional guarantees and the rule of law.
He stressed that no citizen should lose their life at the hands of those entrusted with their protection, noting that the reported conduct of the officer involved was “condemnable, unacceptable, and completely inconsistent with the principles of justice and a civilized society.”
The NHRC boss raised alarm over what he termed a troubling pattern of excessive force by security personnel, urging the Nigeria Police to take immediate and decisive action to curb the trend.
He called for systemic reforms, including mandatory periodic psychological and mental fitness evaluations for officers, particularly those deployed on special assignments, to ensure they are capable of handling firearms responsibly and engaging civilians within the bounds of the law.
Ojukwu further demanded swift disciplinary measures against the officer implicated in the incident, insisting that accountability must be pursued in line with existing laws and police regulations. He also pressed for the full implementation of recommendations from past panels on police brutality, arguing that meaningful reform remains critical to preventing future abuses.
“The Commission demands immediate arrest and a transparent investigation into the incident, dismissal of the officer involved, and swift prosecution in accordance with the law,” he said, adding that justice must also include adequate compensation for the victim’s family.
He warned that delays in justice risk eroding public trust in state institutions and weakening confidence in law enforcement agencies.
Reaffirming the Commission’s commitment to human rights protection, Ojukwu said the NHRC would closely monitor the case while continuing its advocacy for accountability and justice.
“Nigeria must never normalize brutality,” he said. “Justice must speak louder than silence.”
No Badge Should Become a License to Kill — NHRC Condemns Alleged Extrajudicial Killing in Delta
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