President Bola Tinubu has urged the House of Representatives to consider and pass the 2026 statutory budget of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), with emphasis on youth empowerment, electricity and infrastructure development.

The request is aimed at securing legislative approval for the commission’s proposed spending plan to support development programmes across the Niger Delta region.

The NDDC is responsible for coordinating development interventions across the nine oil-producing states of Abia, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, Imo, Ondo and Rivers.

Advertisement

Its mandate includes infrastructure development, improved healthcare, education, skills acquisition, employment opportunities and environmental management in the region. <Cite refs={[“turn865278search2”]} />

Youth empowerment remains one of the commission’s key areas of intervention, with programmes designed to improve skills, expand economic opportunities and help young people develop sustainable livelihoods.

Electricity and other infrastructure projects are also important to the commission’s development agenda, particularly in communities where inadequate public utilities affect businesses, education and access to essential services.

Advertisement

The NDDC has continued to engage government institutions, state authorities, community leaders and development partners on projects intended to address the region’s social and economic challenges. At its September 2026 sustainable development conference, the commission emphasised partnerships and coordinated planning to improve project delivery across the Niger Delta. <Cite refs={[“turn865278search3″,”turn865278search7”]} />

The proposed 2026 statutory budget is expected to provide the financial framework for the commission’s activities during the fiscal year, subject to the relevant legislative process.

The House of Representatives is expected to consider the President’s request before the budget can proceed through the required approval process