The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has made a strong appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, calling for a significant increase in the budgetary allocation to the Niger Delta Hydroelectric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (N-HYPPADEC). This move, they argue, is crucial for the commission to expand its transformative interventions and significantly improve the living conditions of communities in hydroelectric power-producing regions, thereby supporting national development.
NANS Press Briefing and Project Assessment
During a press conference held at the IBB Pen House in Minna on 14 November 2025, the Coordinator of NANS Zone "C" (North Central), Comrade Hussaini Jamilu Ebbo, articulated the student body's position. He emphasized that advocating for more funds would empower N-HYPPADEC to execute a greater number of developmental projects. Comrade Ebbo also used the occasion to praise President Tinubu for his confidence in the commission's leadership, demonstrated by the reappointment of the Managing Director, Alhaji Abubakar Sadiq Yelwa.
The call for increased funding follows a comprehensive, four-day, on-the-spot assessment conducted by NANS to evaluate various N-HYPPADEC projects. The student leaders reported being highly impressed with the significant progress observed, which is actively transforming lives in the beneficiary communities.
Tangible Impacts and Completed Projects
The assessment team documented a wide array of completed projects that have directly and positively impacted Nigerians. These interventions span critical sectors such as housing, water supply, education, and security.
In the housing sector, NANS verified the construction of 120 two-bedroom houses at New Muregi, another 80 similar units at Ketso, and 40 blocks of two-bedroom housing units at Zazzaga resettlement communities, all within Niger State.
To address water scarcity, the commission has provided 140 hand-pump boreholes and an impressive 128 solar-powered boreholes that offer a 24-hour water supply. Enhancing community security, especially in rural areas, are 852 solar street lights installed across various locations.
Other notable projects highlighted include the donation of 7,500 life jackets to riverine areas, the distribution of 10,000 seedlings of economic trees, and the massive rehabilitation and expansion of the New Bussa water scheme, which cost over two billion naira, and the Bida Water works, valued at over a billion naira.
Direct Benefits for Nigerian Students and Youths
Comrade Ebbo placed special emphasis on the commission's profound impact on the educational sector and youth empowerment. NANS documented the construction of 52 units of classroom blocks, fully equipped with plastic chairs, tables, writing materials, and bags for thousands of pupils.
Furthermore, the commission's educational support includes financial aid for over 10,000 students sitting for the WAEC external examinations and a scholarship scheme that has enrolled 15,000 students. To foster self-reliance, N-HYPPADEC has also initiated various skills acquisition programs targeting youths and women.
In a show of support for the administration's broader goals, Comrade Ebbo commended President Tinubu's focus on education, specifically highlighting the N1.6 trillion allocation to the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) as a significant step in the right direction.
Commitment to Accountability and Transparency
To ensure that any additional funds are used effectively, NANS has pledged to maintain a vigilant watch over the commission's activities. The student leadership committed to continually monitoring resource expenditure by conducting follow-up visits to project sites across all states within N-HYPPADEC's catchment areas.
This oversight, they stated, is to guarantee that every kobo budgeted is fully utilized for the intended benefit of the people, ensuring accountability and transparency in the execution of all projects.
