Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to partnering with the North Central Development Commission (NCDC) to accelerate development across the North Central region.
The Governor made the commitment during an advocacy visit by the Governing Board and Management of the Commission to the Government House, Minna, where he described the establishment of the NCDC by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as a bold and visionary step towards balanced regional development under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Governor Bago congratulated members of the Commission’s Governing Board and Management on their appointments and assured them of the Niger State Government’s full cooperation in delivering the Commission’s mandate.
As a demonstration of that commitment, he announced that the state government would provide a liaison office and other logistical support to facilitate the Commission’s activities in Niger State.
The Governor also urged Governors across the North Central region to build a strong working relationship with the Commission in tackling common challenges such as insecurity, flooding, infrastructure deficits, unemployment and the rehabilitation of communities affected by violence.
Chairman of the North Central Development Commission, Barr. Cosmas Akighir, commended Governor Bago’s developmental strides, particularly in infrastructure, agricultural mechanisation, security and economic growth.
He explained that the Commission’s advocacy tour is aimed at strengthening partnerships with state governments and key stakeholders to ensure the effective implementation of its regional development mandate.
According to him, Niger State occupies a strategic position in the North Central region due to its vast landmass, rich agricultural potential, abundant water resources and hydropower assets, making it a critical driver of regional transformation.
Barr. Akighir noted that security remains a top priority for the Commission, stressing that lasting agricultural development and effective utilisation of water resources for irrigation and food production can only be achieved in a peaceful environment.
The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Commission, Dr. Cyril Yiltsen Tsenyil, said the pioneer Board and Management have concentrated on establishing sound governance structures, developing a comprehensive regional development framework and engaging stakeholders across the North Central zone.
He disclosed that while government funding is important, the Commission is also creating frameworks to attract private sector investment into critical sectors including infrastructure, agriculture, energy, transportation, healthcare, education, mining and regional connectivity.
Describing Niger State as a strategic economic hub, Dr. Tsenyil said the Commission is eager to partner with the state in advancing agriculture, irrigation, agro-processing, rural road development, energy projects and industrialisation to unlock opportunities for job creation and economic growth.
Dr. Tsenyil expressed condolences to the Government and people of Niger State over recent banditry attacks that claimed lives, displaced communities and destroyed property.
He assured the Governor of the Commission’s readiness to support efforts aimed at restoring peace, rebuilding affected communities and promoting social and economic recovery.
He also reaffirmed that the NCDC was established to complement—not compete with—state governments by bridging development gaps and adding value to ongoing development initiatives.
The Managing Director further revealed that plans are underway for a North Central Stakeholders’ Summit, which will bring together governments, development partners, the private sector, traditional institutions and civil society organisations to collectively chart a sustainable development agenda for the region.
The advocacy visit concluded with the presentation of the North Central Development Commission (Establishment) Act and the maiden edition of the NCDC News Gazette to Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago by the Commission’s Chairman, Barr. Cosmas Akighir.
As the Commission continues its engagement with states across the North Central region, the growing collaboration between the NCDC and state governments is expected to strengthen regional integration, unlock economic opportunities and deliver lasting development for the people of the zone.
Source: Press Release by Makut Simon Macham, Head, Media and Communication, North Central Development Commission (NCDC).
