NDDC Presents N315.8bn 2013 Budget To Senate

The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) on Tuesday in Abuja presented a budget of N315.8 billion for 2013 to the Senate for consideration. The Acting Managing Director of the NDDC, Dr Patricia Atako presented the budget after defending before the Senate Committee on Niger Delta. The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the budget showed an increase of N65 billion over that of 2012 which stood at N250.8 billion. Atako said the 2013 budget was based on the commission’s determination to maintain prudence and stay focused in the development of the Niger Delta region despite the daunting challenges it was facing. She said the estimates were based on the revenue brought forward from 2012 budget, internally generated revenue and the Federal Government’s contribution to the commission for 2013. The budget estimates also comprised provision for excess crude oil arrears and contributions from oil and gas companies and the ecological funds. The acting managing director explained that the total estimated recurrent cost for 2013 was N27.2billion, comprising N15.2 for personnel cost and N11.9 billion for overhead cost. She gave the development projects and programmes expenditure for 2013 as N286.4 billion representing 90.7 per cent. “This is to provide for vital logistics necessary for monitoring and evaluating the numerous ongoing projects and provision for additional furniture and other working tools required for envisaged new employees”. The NDDC boss said the 2013 budget was an instrument for the promotion of economic growth, wealth creation, poverty reduction and effective and efficient service delivery of the Niger Delta. “It is our desire that the region should continue to experience sustainable development by providing gainful employment for our people”, Atako emphasised