President Bola Tinubu has urged the House of Representatives to consider and pass the Niger Delta Development Commission’s 2026 statutory budget, with youth empowerment, electricity, education, healthcare, security and agriculture listed among the commission’s major priorities.
The president made this known in a letter dated August 20, 2026, addressed to the Speaker of the House, Tajudeen Abbas, in which he transmitted the proposed budget to the chamber for legislative consideration.
Tinubu said the proposal was prepared by the Minister of Niger Delta Development in accordance with Section 121 of the Constitution.
“In line with the provisions of Section 121 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Honourable Minister of Niger Delta Development has prepared the 2026 Statutory Budget Proposal of the NDDC, which is herewith forwarded for consideration and passage by the House of Representatives,” the letter read in part.
He noted that the proposed spending plan was based on the commission’s projected revenue and expenditure and aligned with the Federal Government’s fiscal and development policies, including the Renewed Hope Agenda.
The proposal also takes into account the 2024–2026 Economic Recovery Growth Plan and key assumptions underpinning the Federal Government’s 2026 Appropriation Act, according to the President.
Tinubu said the commission’s priorities were aimed at addressing some of the region’s longstanding development challenges while improving economic opportunities for its residents.
“The House of Representatives is invited to note that the NDDC is prioritising improvement in Youth Empowerment, Energy and Power Supply, Education, Industrial and Enterprise Development, Health, Security and increased productivity in Agriculture in order to lift a significant number of our citizens out of poverty,” he stated.
The areas identified by the President cover both infrastructure and human capital development, reflecting the NDDC’s mandate to support development in the oil-producing communities of the Niger Delta.
Established under the Niger Delta Development Commission (Establishment, etc.) Act, the commission is responsible for formulating and implementing projects and programmes aimed at addressing the region’s developmental needs.
Its interventions have included road construction and rehabilitation, education, healthcare, water projects, skills acquisition, agriculture and other community development programmes.
The emphasis on youth empowerment and enterprise development in the 2026 proposal comes against the backdrop of the region’s large youth population and persistent concerns over unemployment, skills development and access to sustainable livelihoods.
Similarly, the focus on power supply, agriculture and infrastructure is expected to support economic activity and improve access to basic services across communities in the region.
The President urged the House to give the proposal prompt consideration.
“While I look forward to the timely passage of the 2026 Statutory Budget Proposal of the NDDC by the House of Representatives, please accept, Rt Honourable Speaker, the assurances of my highest regards,” Tinubu said.
The proposed budget will now be subjected to legislative scrutiny, including consideration by the relevant committees of the House, before further action is taken on its passage.
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