Senate passes N250bn NDDC 2012 budget

The Senate, on Thursday, passed the  2012 budget of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) worth N250 billion, with over N10 billion earmarked for personnel expenditure.
It, however, expressed dissatisfaction with the late submission of the NDDC budget, warning the commission that its 2013 budget would not be passed if it is not presented before the end of 2012.
Speaking during the passage of the NDDC budget, Senate President, David Mark, noted that NDDC, since 1999, had made it a habit to present their budgets  late, asking how the commission intends to spend the N250 billion 2012 appropriation in less than two months.
Mark stressed that the integrity of the board was at stake, adding that their tenure would not be extended if they do not perform.
He further stated that there were series of complaints from host communities that despite the huge budgetary allocations, the commission had not made visible impact by improving the lives of the people in the area.