Group lauds Senate for passage of North Central Development Commission Bill

The recent passage of the North Central Development Commission Establishment Bill into law by the Nigerian Senate has garnered public praise and commendation for its potential to significantly enhance socio-economic development in the region.

The North Central People’s Forum (NCPF) expressed satisfaction with the passage of the bill, describing it as a highly laudable landmark. NCPF stated that the bill came at a crucial time to aid in the rapid socio-economic development of the North Central which had experienced significant setbacks and neglect.

In a statement, the National Chairman of NCPF, Engr Sani Ndanusa, noted that North Central states, made up of Plateau, Nassarawa, Kogi, Benue, Niger, Kwara and the Federal Capital Territory, were naturally endowed with arable land for agriculture, huge solid mineral deposits, oil and gas, long stretch of rivers Niger and Benue, as well as huge potential for tourism with beautiful and attractive sites such as the Zuma Rock, waterfalls and forest reserves found in several locations in the zone.

The statement reads in part: “Despite its huge potential, the North Central zone has remained largely underdeveloped due to insecurity problems that have bedevilled its landscape such as farmer-herder clashes, banditry/kidnapping and floods. 

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“Similarly, as a result of constant violent killings due to farmer-herder clashes, communal conflicts and other forms of insecurity, millions of its inhabitants have been forced to live in IDP camps spread in school buildings and temporary structures.

“Therefore, the establishment of the North Central Development Commission, with funds to be received from the federal government and international donor agencies, offers a great opportunity for resettlement of displaced persons, reconstruction of roads, houses and business premises of victims.” 

The NCPF praised Senator Abba Moro, Senator Musa Sanni and the Majority Leader, Senator Oyelola Ashiru and other senators from the North Central states for their relentless effort in supporting the bill.