Reps receive N400m for constituency projects — Minority Whip

The Minority Whip of the House of Representatives, Isa Ali, disclosed on Friday that members receive about N400 million to execute constituency projects through Zonal Intervention Projects and Special Intervention Projects.

The lawmaker, who represents Billiri/Balanga Federal Constituency, made this disclosure while fielding questions during a town hall meeting organised to keep constituents informed of recent developments.

According to him, N179 million is budgeted for ZIPs, while N40 million is allocated to SIPs, with N200 million budgeted for the Billiri/Balanga constituency.

He said, “If you look at part of the bills I’m sponsoring, it is on federal constituencies and senatorial districts fund development to enable every constituency and senatorial district to have major projects. When you move to most of these constituencies, you will not see Federal Government projects apart from the constituency projects done by members of the National Assembly.

“Regarding the amount, particularly in the 10th House of Representatives, which Nigerians call the ‘people’s house,’ we are very open. The Zonal Intervention Project has been in existence for the past 20 years, and the money has not changed; it’s N179 million.

“We have Special Intervention Projects; this year, it’s N40 million. In previous years, it was N30 million. The same applies to ZIPs; in previous years, the money remains the same. We have other interventions like the capital intervention for Balanga/Billiri, which is N200 million. In total, we are talking about a little above N400 million for each constituency.”

Speaking further, the Minority Whip, who is a member of the Peoples Democratic Party, lauded the Federal Government for previously releasing 100 per cent of the projects.

“I’m part of the leadership and I’m working hard to ensure the implementation process commences. We will ensure 100 per cent implementation because, to be honest, from 2019 to 2023, the Federal Government tried by releasing almost 100 per cent of all ZIPs and SIPs,” he added.

Ali assured his constituents of the quality of projects despite the economic situation, saying, “We are working hard. The finances of the country are under serious challenge, but as a leader, I’m working with my colleagues to ensure that this year’s intervention is also 100 per cent by the releases of the Federal Government.”

The Minority Whip disclosed that he inaugurated a committee comprising professionals to ensure the quality of projects.