North Central Commission To Facilitate Niger, Benue Rivers’ Dredging

The North Central Development Commission (NCDC) has expressed readiness to dredge Rivers Niger and Benue, as well as facilitate railway connectivity across the North Central region.

According to Mr James Uloko, executive director Corporate Services, the managing director/CEO of the commission, Dr. Cyril Yiltsen Tsenyil, made the promise during the launch and signing of the Ajaokuta Economic City (Kogi–Hunan Free Trade Zone) executed by the Kogi State government and a Chinese consortium.

He said the gesture would be part of the NCDC’s drive to fast-track economic development and improve the prosperity of the people.

Dr. Tsenyil described the initiative as exciting and strategic, noting that it provides an opportunity for the newly established Commission to identify developmental gaps and effectively play its role in ensuring the success of the project.

He said the NCDC is committed to contributing meaningfully to the prosperity of Kogi State, the North Central region, and Nigeria at large.

He emphasized that the NCDC was not created to compete with State Governments but to complement them by removing obstacles that impede development, deepening collaboration, and enhancing synergy across the region.

The MD commended Kogi State Governor Usman Ododo for his foresight in establishing a free trade zone aimed at stimulating growth and harnessing the rich mineral, cultural, and human resources of the area.

In his remarks, Governor Ododo  expressed delight that the project was taking off at a time when the North Central Development Commission was beginning operations with a clear resolve by its Board and Management to provide infrastructure that would accelerate the success of the initiative.

He reaffirmed the readiness of the Kogi State Government to partner closely with the NCDC to achieve shared developmental goals for Kogi, the region, and the country.

Business mogul and chairman of BUA Group, Isyaku Rabiu, acknowledged the NCDC as a strategic development partner and pledged support for its success.