The North Central Development Commission (NCDC) has become a focal point of national discourse following President Bola Tinubu’s recent nomination of its inaugural board members, signaling a significant move towards addressing the developmental challenges in Nigeria’s North Central region.
On May 8, 2025, President Tinubu formally requested the Senate’s confirmation of 19 nominees for the NCDC’s governing board. Leading the list is Cosmas Akiyir from Benue State as Chairman and Cyril Tsenyil Yiltsen from Plateau State as Managing Director. Other notable nominees include James Uloko (Benue), Princess Atika Ajanah (Kogi), Bilgis Jumoke Sanni (Kwara), Aishatu Ibrahim (Nasarawa), and Muhammad Bashar (Niger), among others .
The establishment of the NCDC is part of a broader initiative by the federal government to promote regional development through specialized commissions. Alongside the NCDC, the South West Development Commission (SWDC) and the South South Development Commission (SSDC) have also been proposed, with respective nominees awaiting Senate confirmation .
The NCDC’s primary mandate is to facilitate infrastructural development, economic growth, and social advancement in the North Central region, which encompasses Benue, Kogi, Kwara, Nasarawa, Niger, Plateau, and the Federal Capital Territory. This initiative aims to address long-standing issues such as inadequate infrastructure, youth unemployment, and security challenges that have hindered the region’s progress.
While the nominations have been met with optimism, they have also sparked debates regarding equitable representation. Some stakeholders from the Federal Capital Territory have expressed concerns over the selection process, emphasizing the need for inclusive governance that reflects the region’s diverse demographics .
As the Senate prepares to deliberate on these nominations, the outcome will be pivotal in shaping the trajectory of development in Nigeria’s North Central region. The successful establishment and operation of the NCDC could serve as a model for regional development, fostering economic growth and stability across the nation.
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