Senate Approves North Central Commission’s N140bn Budget

The Senate Committee on the North Central Development Commission (NCDC) has approved the Commission’s N140 billion 2026 budget proposal.

The approval followed the budget defence by the commission’s Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Cyril Yiltsen Tsenyil, before the committee at the Senate Building in Abuja.

A statement by the NCDC’s Director, Corporate Services, Mr. James Uloko, and made available to journalists in Lafia, quoted Dr. Tsenyil as informing the committee that the budget estimates comprised about 86 percent capital expenditure and the rest for personnel and overhead expenditure.

Dr. Tsenyil stated that the Commission was determined to consolidate its operations and lay a solid foundation for sustainable impact, while conceiving and executing strategic projects that will directly benefit the people of the North Central region.

The Chairman of the Committee, Titus Zam, said the budget, if properly implemented, would significantly impact the region, particularly because of its strong capital component.

He noted that the Committee had thoroughly examined the proposals and would ensure that funds are judiciously applied to critical sectors such as infrastructure, agriculture, empowerment, and economic growth—areas considered vital to the development of the region.

Other senators who scrutinised the budget proposals expressed satisfaction with the Commission’s focus on projects aimed at unlocking the vast potential of the North Central zone.

They also urged the NCDC to pay attention to the prevailing security challenges in the region by making strategic interventions to support displaced persons and address disruptions to economic activities.

Furthermore, members of the Committee emphasised the need for robust stakeholder engagement to ensure that communities across the North Central region fully embrace the Commission and contribute to its success.

The Committee thereafter dissolved into a closed-door session for further deliberations. Upon resumption, it formally approved the 2026 budget estimates of the Commission.