Budget Office Clarifies N246 Billion NEDC Allocation Misconceptions

The Budget Office of the Federation has refuted claims that the N246 billion allocation to the Northeast Development Commission (NEDC) is for salaries. Director-General Tanimu Yakubu clarified that the figure is not exclusively for personnel costs but includes statutory lump sum provisions.

The allocation is part of the standard budget presentation practice, with detailed breakdowns provided later during budget scrutiny. Yakubu highlighted ongoing confusion in interpreting statutory agency budgets and emphasized the necessity of public scrutiny to prevent misinformation.

The clarification aims to ensure transparency and informed debate on budget allocations.