Parliamentary Group Supports NEDC, Rejects N246.77 Billion Salary Allegation

The Parliamentary Watch Initiative (PWI) has dismissed assertions that the North East Development Commission (NEDC) has a salary budget of N246.77 billion, calling the claim a mischaracterization of Nigeria’s federal budgeting practices.

In a statement from its convener Amuta Amuta, PWI indicated that it performed a comprehensive assessment of NEDC’s mandate, operations, and financial practices, ultimately concluding that the commission is working within its statutory authority and managing its resources responsibly.

The organization stated that its forensic examination of budget documents, statutory guidelines, and oversight reports highlighted that NEDC, under the leadership of Chairman Paul Tarfa and Managing Director/CEO Mohammed Alkali, is operating effectively and exceeding expectations for a relatively new federal agency.

This response comes amid public discussions suggesting that a significant portion of NEDC’s federal budget allocation was primarily designated for personal expenses, with only a fraction allocated for developmental initiatives in the conflict-affected North East region.

PWI further explained that the commonly cited N246.77 billion does not solely represent personnel costs; instead, it encapsulates a consolidated statutory allocation presented broadly within the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF).

The group referenced a recent clarification from the Budget Office of the Federation (BOF) that rejected the notion that the allocation was exclusively for salaries.

The BOF clarified that the misunderstanding stemmed from the use of a technical placeholder during the budgeting process which might temporarily inflate figures under personnel costs when not fully specified.

Director General Tanimu Yakubu explained that such allegations are “misleading, incorrect, and arise from a fundamental misunderstanding of the Federal Government of Nigeria’s budgeting frameworks.”

PWI also addressed critical views surrounding the reported N2.70 billion capital expenditure, noting that approximately 70 percent of the commission’s capital funding had been postponed to the 2026 fiscal budget. This adjustment, they asserted, does not indicate a shortage of projects or poor performance on the part of NEDC.

The organization emphasized that accounting for personnel expenditure in a development commission is “legitimate and important,” given the need for professionals such as engineers, procurement officers, and project managers necessary for effective project delivery.

Furthermore, PWI pointed out that NEDC adheres to strong accountability frameworks, including the MTEF, annual Appropriation Acts, oversight from the National Assembly, statutory audits, and performance reporting systems.

The initiative commended NEDC’s leadership for its transparency and fiscal responsibility, highlighting the commission's active implementation of interventions throughout the North East despite the area's developmental and humanitarian challenges.

In conclusion, PWI warned against the spread of misleading narratives and selective interpretations of budget figures, asserting such claims distort public understanding and undermine trust in government institutions. They welcomed the scrutiny of federal agencies but urged stakeholders to engage with financial data responsibly, ensuring public discourse does not compromise confidence in essential development initiatives.