Premium News
SOUTH-EAST SENATORS PROTEST REGION’S EXCLUSION FROM FG’S N3.2TRN IRRIGATION FUNDS
Senators from the South-east geopolitical zone yesterday drew the attention of the Senate to successive strategic exclusion of the region from key development projects of the federal government.
The latest according to them, was the N3.2 trillion Renewed Hope Infrastructure Development Funded irrigation development projects under the 2025 Appropriation Act. Their protest was sequel to a motion moved by Kenneth Eze from Ebonyi State.
Rising under Orders 41 and 51, the senator expressed frustration over what he described as mounting complaints from his constituents and the wider South-East geopolitical zone over recurring marginalisation of the region.
Eze noted that Section 4 of the 1999 Constitution empowers the National Assembly to make laws for equitable national development. Sections 14(3 and 4), he added, mandate fairness and justice in resource distribution.
He added that the 2025 budget allocates N3.2 trillion under the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Development Fund, with N38 billion set aside for irrigation projects nationwide.
However, Eze pointed out, while the programme is designed as a national initiative, its implementation plan excludes the Anambra-Imo River Basin Development Authority. He said it is the only authority serving the entire South-east.
He described the omission as “unjustifiable” and contrary to President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda, which emphasises equity and inclusivity.
Eze said: “The South-east, with its vast arable land and long-standing contributions to Nigeria’s agriculture sector, deserves to benefit from this fund.” He cited statistics showing the region accounts for 30 per cent of national yam production and over 15 per cent of cassava output. He also referenced major agricultural initiatives operating in the region.
Eze listed key irrigation and agricultural projects in the Southeast—such as the Auzara and Okaku Agribusiness clusters, and the Ivo Dam Irrigation Project—that could significantly benefit from the fund if included.
