Rep. Isa Ali reveals that members of the House of Representatives receive about ₦400 million annually for constituency projects through Zonal Intervention Projects and Special Intervention Projects.
EKO HOT BLOG reports that the Minority Whip of the House of Representatives, Isa Ali, disclosed on Friday that members receive about ₦400 million annually to execute constituency projects through Zonal Intervention Projects (ZIPs) and Special Intervention Projects (SIPs).
Representing Billiri/Balanga Federal Constituency, Hon. Ali made this revelation during a town hall meeting to inform his constituents about recent developments in the National Assembly and their impacts on the constituency.
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According to Hon. Ali, the funds are divided into two major categories:
- Zonal Intervention Projects (ZIPs): ₦179 million is allocated.
- Special Intervention Projects (SIPs): ₦40 million is designated.
Additionally, he explained that ₦200 million is specifically 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 ₦179 million.
“We have Special Intervention Projects; this year, it’s ₦40 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 ₦200 million. In total, we are talking about a little above ₦400 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.
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“The current administration, which has been in office for less than 15 months, is dedicated to transforming the country’s economic fortunes. The government is actively engaging with citizens to address their grievances and demonstrate its commitment to listening. It’s essential that all grievances are brought to the table for resolution. This openness to dialogue is a testament to the government’s sincerity in addressing issues as they arise.”
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