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The North Central Development Commission (NCDC) has expressed readiness to pursue the dredging of Rivers Niger and Benue, as well as facilitate railway connectivity across the North Central region, as part of its drive to fast-track economic development and improve the prosperity of the people.
Managing Director/CEO of the Commission, Dr. Cyril Yiltsen Tsenyil, gave the assurance during the launch and signing ceremony of the Ajaokuta Economic City (Kogi–Hunan Free Trade Zone) executed between the Kogi State Government and a Chinese consortium.
Dr. Tsenyil described the initiative as exciting and strategic, noting that it provides an opportunity for the newly established Commission to identify developmental gaps and effectively play its role in ensuring the success of the project. He said the NCDC is committed to contributing meaningfully to the prosperity of Kogi State, the North Central region, and Nigeria at large.
He emphasized that the NCDC was not created to compete with State Governments but to complement them by removing obstacles that impede development, deepening collaboration, and enhancing synergy across the region.
The MD commended Kogi State Governor Usman Ododo for his foresight in establishing a free trade zone aimed at stimulating growth and harnessing the rich mineral, cultural, and human resources of the area.
In his remarks, Governor Ododo described the project as a bold, visionary step poised to transform the development trajectory of Kogi State and the nation. He thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving the Ajaokuta Free Trade Zone, which he said would unlock vast opportunities, particularly for employment and industrial expansion.
The Governor expressed delight that the project was taking off at a time when the North Central Development Commission was beginning operations with a clear resolve by its Board and Management to provide infrastructure that would accelerate the success of the initiative.
He reaffirmed the readiness of the Kogi State Government to partner closely with the NCDC to achieve shared developmental goals for Kogi, the region, and the country.
Business mogul and Chairman of BUA Group, Isyaku Rabiu, also commended Governor Ododo for his commitment to the Ajaokuta Free Trade Zone, noting that the project would further unlock the economic potential of the state. He acknowledged the NCDC as a strategic development partner and pledged support for its success.
Leader of the Chinese consortium Mr. Li Zhensheng said they are happy to partner with the Kogi State Government under the purposeful leadership of Governor Ododo and will be funding the project with other global partners.
Other stakeholders at the event equally expressed strong support for the project and assured of their contributions to its realization.
Dr. Tsenyil was accompanied to the event by the Executive Director, Projects, Princess Atika Ajanah, and the Executive Director, Commercial and Industrial, Hajiya Aisha Ibrahim.
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