Forum Hails Passage Of North Central Development Commission Bill

The Senate’s recent passage of the North Central Development Commission Establishment bill into law has been commended for its potential to greatly enhance socio-economic development in the region.

The North Central People’s Forum (NCPF) expressed their satisfaction with the bill’s passage, hailing it as a significant milestone.

According to the NCPF, the bill has arrived at a crucial time. It will aid in the rapid socio-economic development of the North Central zone of Nigeria, which has faced considerable setbacks and neglect in the past.

The national chairman of NCPF, Engr. Sani Ndanusa said the North Central states, comprising Plateau, Nasarawa, Kogi, Benue, Niger, Kwara, and the Federal Capital Territory, are blessed with fertile land for agriculture, abundant solid mineral deposits, oil and gas resources, a long stretch of the Niger and Benue rivers, and immense potential for tourism with captivating sites like Zuma rock, waterfalls, and forest reserves scattered throughout the zone.

“Despite its vast potential, the North Central zone has remained underdeveloped due to security challenges that have plagued the region, such as conflicts between farmers and herders, banditry, kidnapping, and flooding, which have hindered the people from engaging in productive economic activities like farming and trading,” Ndanusa said.

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“Moreover, as a result of the constant violent killings stemming from clashes between farmers and herders, communal conflicts, and other forms of insecurity, millions of residents have been forced to live in IDPs camps housed in schools and temporary structures,” he added.

Therefore, the establishment of the North Central Development Commission, with funding from the federal government and international donor agencies, presents a tremendous opportunity for the resettlement of displaced persons, the reconstruction of roads, houses, and business premises affected by conflicts, the addressing of developmental challenges such as poverty and illiteracy, and the creation of an enabling environment to attract investments into various socio-economic sectors for the rapid transformation and progress of the North Central zone, according to the statement.

The NCPF praised Senator Abba Moro, Senator Musa Sanni, and the majority leader, Senator Oyelola Ashiru, along with other senators from the North Central states, for their unwavering efforts in supporting the North Central Development Commission bill.

The NCPF chairman highlighted that their persistent advocacy since the 9th Senate led to the bill’s successful passage by the 10th Senate.

“Similarly, the NCPF appreciates the leadership of the Senate, led by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and all the senators who supported the passage of the NCDC bill,” the statement added.

The NCPF also appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to promptly give his assent to the bill once it is concurred by the House of Representatives to enable the speedy constitution of the Commission and fulfil its mandate for the socio-economic transformation of the North Central zone.