Senators of South-East extraction have lodged a complaint over the “exclusion” of the zone from the Federal Government’s irrigation projects in the 2025 budget.

The government budgeted N3.2 trillion under the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Development Fund.

Out of the figure, N380bn was earmarked specifically for irrigation development projects to be implemented through the various River Basin Development Authorities (RBDAs).

However, according to a motion moved by senators from the South-East on Thursday, while all other RBDAs had funds allocated to them, only the South-East got zero allocation.

The motion, which was jointly moved by senators Kenneth Eze (Ebonyi-Central); Osita Ngwu (Enugu-West); Orji Uzor Kalu (Abia-North); and Enyinnaya Abaribe (Abia-South), quoted the figures allocated to the other geopolitical zones.

On the list were BENIN OWENA RBDA (SOUTH-SOUTH / SOUTH-WEST) , N42.2bn; CHAD BASIN RBDA (NORTH-EAST), N40bn; HADEJIA JAMA’ARE RBDA, (NORTH-WEST/NORTH-EAST), N66.9bn; OGUN OSUN RBDA SOUTH-WEST, N45.4bn; SOKOTO RIMA RBDA (NORTH-WEST), N43bn; UPPER BENUE RBDA, (NORTH-EAST), N40bn; UPPER NIGER RBDA (NORTH CENTRAL/NORTH-WEST), N24bn.

The only RBD that had zero allocation is ANAMBRA/IMO RBDA (SOUTH-EAST).

The senators noted, “Concerned that the total exclusion of the South- East geo-political zone and Anambra-Imo River Basin Development Authority from this critical national development intervention is not only unjustifiable but also contradicts the spirit of equity, justice, and balanced development that forms the cornerstone of the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. President.

“Also concerned that the South – East zone is blessed with vast, arable and fertile lands across Enugu, Ebonyi, Imo, Abia and Anambra and has historically contributed significantly to Nigeria’s agricultural sector with cash crops such as oil palm, cassava, yam, rice and vegetables.

“Recognising that a recent open data source reports indicates that the South East accounts for over 30% of national yam production; produces over 15% of Nigeria’s cassava; and remains a major hub for rice farming through schemes like IFAD-VCDP and FADAMA projects, among others.”

They cited irrigation projects in the zone that would suffer due to the exclusion.

Among the projects were Ozara Okangwu Agri-Business Cluster, which requires a mini dam on the Etsu River (Ebonyi State); the Ivo Dam Irrigation Project (Enugu State); Item Amegu Rice Farm Dam (Ebonyi State); Amauzari Earth Dam (Imo State); and the Ifite Ogwari/Omor Dam (Anambra State).

The motion reads further, “Worried that the exclusion of these projects of national importance and other critical interventions not only risks undermining the region’s agricultural potential and the current administration’s economic rejuvenation efforts but could also deepen the perennial perceptions of marginalisation and inequity in federal projects and resource distribution.

“Convinced that the 10th Senate, as corrective Senate, constitutional guardian of equity, unity and national cohesion, should act to address this strategic oversight in the spirit of national interest, equity and sustainable development.”

However, the Senate stood down the motion and instead directed its leadership to meet with the ministers of finance, budget/economic planning and water resources with a view to resolving the issue.