The Senate Committee on the North Central Development Commission (NCDC) has commended the Commission’s Governing Board and Management for the progress made in laying a solid institutional foundation, while calling for increased funding to accelerate development across the North Central region.
The Committee’s Chairman, Senator Titus Zam, gave the commendation during an engagement with the NCDC Management, led by the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Cyril Yiltsen Tsenyil, at the National Assembly.
The meeting provided an opportunity for the Commission to present its achievements since its establishment and outline ongoing efforts to reposition the agency as a catalyst for regional development.
Presenting the Commission’s scorecard, Dr. Tsenyil thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for establishing the NCDC and appreciated the National Assembly for providing the legislative framework and budgetary support needed to kick-start its operations.
He disclosed that the Commission has already begun building strategic partnerships with key Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), development partners and state governments to strengthen its interventions across the North Central zone.
According to him, the Commission has visited Nasarawa, Plateau, Kogi and Benue States, where governors have pledged their support. He noted that the Nasarawa State Government has donated a permanent headquarters office complex in Lafia, while other states have promised office accommodation and logistical support.
Dr. Tsenyil further revealed that Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), and NIRSAL are at the final stage of legal vetting. The partnerships, he said, will focus on expanding access to rural electrification, enterprise development, agricultural growth and economic empowerment.
On project implementation, the Managing Director stated that the Commission has secured Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) “No Objection” approvals for priority projects captured in the 2025 budget, paving the way for contract awards in the coming weeks.
He also announced that the Board has approved the NCDC Strategic Development Roadmap, which will be unveiled during the Commission’s inaugural Regional Stakeholders Development Summit. In addition, plans are underway to establish the NCDC Investment Company to mobilise alternative funding and drive sustainable investments for the region.
Speaking after a closed-door session, Senator Zam expressed satisfaction with the Commission’s performance despite the slow release of funds, describing the Board and Management as focused, prudent and committed to delivering meaningful development to the people of the North Central.
He assured the Commission of the Senate Committee’s commitment to engaging relevant authorities to ensure the release of more funds, stressing that adequate financing is critical to the Commission’s success.
The Committee also announced plans to undertake an oversight visit to the Commission’s headquarters in Lafia as part of its legislative oversight responsibilities.
The North Central Development Commission was established to coordinate and drive infrastructure, economic and social development across the six states of the North Central geopolitical zone and the Federal Capital Territory.
