Representatives get N400m for constituency projects — Minority Leader reveals

Isa Ali, Minority Leader in the House of Representatives, said members receive about N400 million annually to execute constituency projects through Zonal Intervention Projects (ZIPs) and Special Intervention Projects (SIPs).

The lawmaker, representing Billiri/Balanga Federal Constituency, made this known on Friday at a town hall meeting aimed at keeping his constituents informed of recent developments in the National Assembly and their impact on the constituency.

According to Ali, the funds are divided into two broad categories: ZIPs, where N179 million is allocated for such projects and SIPs, where N40 million is earmarked for such projects.

He further explained that a supplementary budget of N200 million is specifically earmarked for Billiri/Balanga constituency.

“If you look at some of the bills that I’m sponsoring, they’re about expanding federal constituency and senatorial district funding to allow each constituency and senatorial district to do major projects. When you go around most of those constituencies, you won’t see any federal government projects outside of constituency projects that are done by members of the National Assembly.

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“On the amount, especially for the 10th House of Representatives, which Nigerians call the ‘people’s house’, we are very open. The zonal intervention project has been in place for 20 years and the amount has not changed: it stands at N179 million.

“We have special intervention projects; this year, the amount is N40 million. In previous years, it was N30 million. Same goes for the 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 over N400 million for each constituency,” he said.

The member of the People’s Democratic Party also commended the federal government for previously releasing 100% of the projects.

“I am part of the leadership and I am working hard to get the implementation process started. We will ensure 100% implementation because, to be honest, from 2019 to 2023, the federal government tried by releasing almost 100% of all ZIPs and SIPs,” he added.

Ali assured his constituents of the quality of the projects despite the economic situation, saying: “We are working hard. The country’s finances are under serious strain, but as a leader, I am working with my colleagues to ensure that this year’s intervention is also 100% funded by the federal government.”