BY AHMED AKANBI
The Chairman, Senate Committee on the North Central Development Commission (NCDC), Senator Titus Zam, has called on the commission to prioritise agriculture, mining, security and rural infrastructure to drive economic growth in the region.
Zam made the call on Tuesday in Abuja after a closed-door meeting with the management of the commission.
He said the committee and the commission’s management agreed on timelines for implementing developmental programmes, and resolved to ensure all activities align with the commission’s statutory mandate.
The lawmaker said the Federal Government had commenced monthly funding for the commission. He noted that while 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 both parties agreed available funds must 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 the need for effective service delivery to justify public confidence in the commission.
On funding, Zam said the commission currently receives N2.9 billion monthly, which he described as inadequate.
He noted that the commission has a budget of N140 billion, stressing that the present allocation falls significantly short of 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, Zam said the North Central possesses enormous agricultural potential with fertile land, favourable rainfall and vegetation suitable for large-scale farming. He urged the commission to prioritise agricultural development.
Identifying mining as another critical sector, noting that many North Central states have abundant mineral resources, he 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.
Zam expressed satisfaction with the outcome of the meeting, saying the committee remains committed to supporting the commission.