Senate Passes North Central Development Commission Bill

In a stride towards regional development, the Senate has passed the bill for the establishment of the North Central Development Commission (NCDC).

The North Central region encompasses Kogi, Niger, Benue, Kwara, Plateau, Nasarawa, and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

The bill, sponsored by Senate minority leader, Senator Abba Moro (Benue South) and other representatives from the North Central region, aims to address various pressing challenges and propel growth in the area.

Recall that the Senate also passed the South East Development Commission (SEDC) Bill earlier this year. Before now, the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), North East Development Commission (NEDC) existed.

However, having undergone first and second readings on October 5, 2023, and February 21, 2024, respectively, the bill originated in the 9th Senate under Senator Moro’s sponsorship.

Although it had passed the initial readings, it did not receive presidential assent before the conclusion of the 9th Senate’s term.

In his lead debate, Senator Moro highlighted the commission’s crucial role in managing funds from the federal government and donors.

He said the NCDC will be responsible for the resettlement, rehabilitation, and integration of individuals affected by floods, conflicts between farmers and herders, communal clashes, as well as the construction of necessary infrastructure such as roads, drainage systems, and dredging of rivers Niger and Benue to control flooding.

Additionally, the commission will tackle poverty, illiteracy, and other developmental challenges prevalent in the North Central region of Nigeria.

The bill’s passage followed the adoption of the report presented by the Senate Committee on Special Duties during the plenary session.

The Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin, who presided over the session, expressed optimism that President Tinubu would give his assent to the bill, recognising its potential to drive the overall development of the North Central region encompassing Kogi, Niger, Benue, Kwara, Plateau, Nasarawa, and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.