Senators from Nigeria’s Southeast region have raised concerns over the exclusion of their area from the federal government’s N3.2 trillion Renewed Hope Infrastructure Development Fund, specifically the N38 billion allocated for irrigation projects in the 2025 budget. Senator Kenneth Eze from Ebonyi State highlighted that the Anambra-Imo River Basin Development Authority, which serves the entire Southeast, was omitted from the irrigation program.
Eze emphasized the region’s significant contribution to Nigeria’s agriculture, noting that the Southeast accounts for 30% of the nation’s yam production and over 15% of cassava output. He argued that the exclusion contradicts the principles of fairness and inclusivity outlined in the constitution and President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda. Other senators, including Orji Uzor Kalu and Osita Ngwu, supported the motion, pointing out the potential negative impact on regional agricultural projects and the recurring marginalization of the Southeast in federal allocations.
In response, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin suggested that the omission might be an administrative oversight and assured that the Senate leadership would engage with relevant ministries to address the issue. Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele recommended pausing the motion to allow for discussions with the Minister of Water Resources, with findings to be presented in a subsequent plenary session.
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