By Olugbenga Salami
The Chairman, Senate Committee on the North Central Development Commission, NCDC, Senator Titus Zam (APC Benue North West), has urged the commission to prioritise agriculture and rural development to accelerate economic growth and improve living conditions across the region.
Senator Zam, who made the call on Tuesday in Abuja after a closed-door meeting with the management of the commission, said the committee and the commission’s management agreed on timelines for implementing developmental programmes.
He described the meeting as productive, adding that members resolved to ensure their activities align with the commission’s statutory mandate.
The lawmaker said the Federal Government had commenced monthly funding for the commission, noting that although the allocations remain below expectations, “there is always a gap between our wishes and reality.”
“We want to see clear deliverables consistent with the commission’s mandate,” Zam said, adding that the committee and management agreed that available funds should be prudently utilised to guarantee measurable results.
The senator disclosed that the committee will immediately commence oversight visits, starting from the commission’s headquarters before touring North Central states to assess all ongoing and proposed projects.
“We do not want to disappoint President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” he said, stressing that both parties resolved to work closely to ensure effective service delivery.
Responding to questions on funding, Senator Zam said the commission currently receives N2.9 billion monthly, which he described as inadequate for its responsibilities.
He noted that the commission has a budget of N140 billion, stressing that the present allocation falls significantly short of funding requirements. He, however, expressed optimism that additional releases would be made.
“We appreciate the President for providing a take-off package, and we expect more funds when the commission fully comes on stream,” he added.
On development priorities, Senator Zam said the committee advised the commission to concentrate on agriculture, mining, security and rural infrastructure, maintaining that the North Central possesses enormous agricultural potential with fertile land, favourable rainfall and vegetation suitable for large-scale farming.
He also identified mining as another critical sector requiring intervention, noting that many North Central states have abundant mineral resources, and urged the commission to support sustainable mining and collaborate with security agencies and state governments to tackle insecurity.
The chairman further called on the NCDC to publicly unveil its development blueprint to enable citizens to monitor progress and assess performance.
“People should know what the commission plans to achieve,” he said.
