NCDC Unveils Blueprint For North-Central Growth
By SANI BATURE
THE newly established North Central Development Commission (NCDC) has unveiled its priorities to drive sustainable development across the region.
Managing Director Dr. Cyril Tsenyil, speaking at the commission’s maiden press briefing in Lafia on Wednesday, said the focus areas include infrastructure, agriculture, health, education, housing, water, power, and industrialisation across the six North-Central states and the FCT.
He recalled that President Bola Tinubu signed the NCDC Act into law earlier this year, with a 19-member board inaugurated on August 28 by Minister of Regional Development Abubakar Momoh. The board, chaired by Cosmos Akighir, has since created 13 committees to spearhead operations and adopted the 2025 budget to access operational funds.
Tsenyil said the commission is preparing a strategic development plan and will embark on state-wide tours to engage stakeholders, including governors and community leaders. A policy retreat is also scheduled for October in Lafia.
“Our focus is to fill development gaps, not duplicate existing projects,” he said, stressing that efforts will cover roads, bridges, resettlement, peace, security, and environmental recovery.
He commended Nasarawa Governor Abdullahi Sule for donating the headquarters building and assured fairness to all states.
“As far as we are concerned, we are one North Central—united by common history, culture, and challenges that must be urgently addressed,” he said.
