President Tinubu Signs Bill Establishing North-Central Development Commission

In a historic move aimed at addressing the developmental challenges facing Nigeria’s North-Central region, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has officially signed into law the bill establishing the North-Central Development Commission (NCDC). The commission is expected to spearhead economic growth, infrastructure development, and security interventions across the region, which has been plagued by insecurity and economic neglect.

A Milestone for the North-Central Region

The signing of the bill marks a significant achievement for the North-Central geopolitical zone, which comprises Benue, Kogi, Kwara, Nasarawa, Niger, and Plateau States, as well as the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja. The region has faced numerous challenges over the years, including farmer-herder conflicts, banditry, communal clashes, and inadequate federal attention to its development needs.

With the establishment of the NCDC, there is renewed hope for targeted federal interventions similar to those seen in other regions through agencies like the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) in the South-South and the North-East Development Commission (NEDC).

Key Functions of the North-Central Development Commission

The NCDC is designed to serve as a special intervention agency, focusing on several critical areas to enhance development in the region. Its core responsibilities include:

1. Infrastructure Development – The commission will oversee major road constructions, rehabilitation of bridges, and development of essential public facilities. It will also work to improve electricity supply and expand access to clean water.

2. Security and Conflict Resolution – The agency will support security operations aimed at curbing violence in the region. It will also promote peacebuilding initiatives between farmers and herders and assist communities affected by conflict.

3. Economic Growth and Industrialization – The commission will invest in agriculture, promote small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and support the establishment of industries that can create jobs and reduce poverty.

4. Disaster Management and Humanitarian Support – The NCDC will coordinate disaster relief efforts, particularly for victims of conflicts, flooding, and other natural disasters. This will include resettlement programs for displaced persons.

5. Education and Human Capital Development – To tackle the region’s educational challenges, the commission will support the construction of schools, fund vocational training centers, and provide scholarships to students.

Tinubu’s Commitment to Regional Development

Speaking during the signing ceremony at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, President Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to inclusive development across all regions of the country.

“The North-Central region has played a vital role in Nigeria’s economic and agricultural sectors, yet it has faced significant security and infrastructural challenges. This commission will serve as a vehicle to accelerate development and restore hope to millions of people in the region,” President Tinubu stated.

The President also urged stakeholders, including state governments and private sector players, to collaborate with the NCDC to ensure its success.

Reactions from Lawmakers and Regional Leaders

The bill establishing the NCDC had received overwhelming support from lawmakers, particularly those from the North-Central, who argued that the region had been marginalized in federal development plans for years.

Senator Ahmed Suleiman, a key sponsor of the bill, expressed gratitude to the President for signing it into law.

“This is a dream come true for the North-Central. For too long, our region has suffered from insecurity and underdevelopment. With this commission in place, we can now look forward to targeted interventions that will bring real progress to our people,” he said.

Similarly, Governor Samuel Audu of Plateau State described the signing of the bill as a “turning point” for the region, adding that state governments would work closely with the NCDC to ensure its success.

Concerns Over Implementation and Funding

Despite the excitement surrounding the establishment of the NCDC, some experts and opposition lawmakers have raised concerns about its implementation and funding. Critics argue that Nigeria already has multiple development commissions, and adding another could put pressure on the federal budget.

There are also fears that the commission, like similar agencies in the past, could suffer from bureaucratic inefficiencies and corruption if not properly managed. Transparency advocates have called for strict oversight mechanisms to ensure funds allocated to the NCDC are used for their intended purposes.

What Comes Next?

With the bill now signed into law, the federal government will begin the process of setting up the commission’s governing board, appointing executives, and allocating initial funding. The National Assembly is also expected to play a crucial role in providing legislative oversight to ensure accountability.

For millions of residents in the North-Central region, the establishment of the North-Central Development Commission represents a new era of hope, with the promise of better infrastructure, economic opportunities, and improved security. However, the success of the initiative will largely depend on effective leadership, strategic implementation, and accountability in managing resources.

Stay tuned for further updates as the federal government begins implementing this landmark initiative.