The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPoB) has strongly criticized the alleged exclusion of the South East from all capital projects in the 2025 Nigerian national budget, as read and approved by the House of Representatives.

In a statement issued by its Media and Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful, IPoB described the development as a confirmation that the Nigerian State has denied Ndigbo citizenship. The group urged the Igbo people to view this exclusion as a motivation to intensify efforts toward the realization of an independent Biafran nation.

The statement, titled: “Exclusion of Ndigbo from Capital Projects in the 2025 Budget Should Motivate Ndigbo to Pursue Biafran Independence,” criticized the Federal Government’s action and called it a wake-up call for Igbo politicians who believe working with the Nigerian state guarantees them acceptance.

According to IPoB: “The exclusion of the South East Region from all capital projects in the 2025 national budget, as read and approved by the Nigerian House of Representatives, is a clear confirmation that the Nigerian State has denied Ndigbo citizenship.”

The group emphasized that this move justifies their call for an independent Biafra nation, which is being championed by the global family and movement of IPoB under the leadership of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, who remains in DSS custody.

IPoB referenced a viral video showing an Igbo House of Representatives member raising concerns about the exclusion of the South East during the 2025 budget hearing. The lawmaker was reportedly shouted down by members from other regions, while the Speaker of the House suggested the South East might be included in a supplementary budget.

The group expressed outrage over the ethnic bias in Nigeria’s governance:

“Imagine the disdain and level of ethnic hatred that the Nigerian government under Ahmed Bola Tinubu has against Ndigbo. The same level of ethnic hatred exhibited during the pre-independence and post-independence era is still being displayed today.”

IPoB insisted that the exclusion further proves that Nigeria is a “dangerous country” for the Igbo people, urging Ndigbo to support their pursuit of Biafran independence:

“The earlier Ndigbo realize that our hope for survival and prosperity lies in an independent Biafra nation, the better. It is time to wake up from any illusion of belonging in a country that actively marginalizes us.”

IPoB highlighted the economic contributions of the South East, which it claimed are being exploited without reciprocation:

Over 40% of revenue from oil, gas, and non-oil sectors comes from the region.

Ndigbo attract more foreign investments and remittances than any other ethnic group.

The South East is home to significant oil and gas reserves.

Despite these contributions, no capital projects were allocated to the region in the 2025 budget.

IPoB called on the Nigerian government to organize a referendum for the peaceful exit of Biafra to prevent a repeat of the 1967-1970 civil war:

“Since the Nigerian government does not consider the South East part of its territory, they should heed our call for a Biafra referendum and allow us to exit peacefully to avoid another civil war.”

IPoB criticized South East lawmakers for their inaction, arguing that true representatives of the people would have boycotted the National Assembly in protest:

“It is a shame that no single protest was staged by these Igbo lawmakers. You cannot claim to represent Ndigbo and watch as your region is excluded from capital projects while remaining silent. Such inaction only proves that they are serving themselves, not the people.”

The group concluded by urging Ndigbo to remain resolute in their quest for independence, insisting that the only path to dignity and prosperity lies in the creation of a sovereign Biafran state. (Vanguard)