SAN FRANCISCO, November 05, (THEWILL) – The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) on Tuesday in Abuja forwarded its 2013 budget of N315.8 billion to the Senate.
The budget they said is for the sustainable development of the Niger Delta region.
The acting Managing Director of the NDDC, Dr. Patricia Atako , presented the budget estimate while defending the Commission’s 2013 budget before the Senate Committee on Niger Delta.
Breakdown of the 2013 budget estimate of N315.8 shows an increase of N65 billion over that of 2012 which stood at N250.8 billion.
However, Atako said the 2013 budget is 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 is facing.”
She said the N315.8 billion estimate was based on the revenue brought forward from 2012 budget, internally generated revenue and the federal government contribution to the Commission for 2013.
The budget estimate also comprised provision for Excess Crude arrears, oil and contributions from oil and gas companies, and contributions from the ecological funds.
The acting Managing Director explained that 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 of the total revenue of N315.8 billion.
According to her, the non-project capital expenditure (internal capital) for the year 2013.
“This is to provide for vital logistics necessary for monitoring and evaluating the numerous on-going projects and provision for additional furniture and other working tools required for envisaged new employees,” she said.
The NDDC acting 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 to that the region should continue to experience sustainable development by providing gainful employment to our people,” she said.
The total development projects and programmes expenditure was N232 in 2012 and N243.6 billion for 2011.
EMMA UCHE, ABUJA
