Senate Passes North Central Dev’t Commission Bill

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

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.

The Bill which originated under the 9th Senate, had earlier passed through thr First and Second Readings on October 5, 2023, and February 21, 2024, respectively.

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

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

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The NCDC, he noted, 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 geopolitical zone of Nigeria.

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

Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin, who presided over the session, congratulated Senator Moro and all those involved in the bill’s success.

He expressed optimism that President Bola Tinubu would give his assent to the bill, recognising its potential to drive the overall development of the region comprising Kogi, Niger, Benue, Kwara, Plateau, Nasarawa, and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.