The Senate Committee on North Central Development Commission (NCDC) has expressed satisfaction with the efforts of the Governing Board and Management towards giving the Commission a sound footing.
Chairman of the Committee Senator Titus Zam said this when the Management Team led by its Managing Director/CEO Dr. Cyril Yiltsen Tsenyil appeared before it to brief the members on what it has achieved since establishment.
While briefing the Committee, Managing Director/CEO Dr. Cyril Yiltsen Tsenyil appreciated President Bola Tinubu for establishing the Commission and the National Assembly for giving the necessary legislative backing including the passing of budgets.
This was contained in a statement by Dr. Makut Simon Macham, Head, Media and Corporate Communications, NCDC.
He said the NCDC has commenced institutional activities by creating linkages with key MDAs, development partners and States which have yielded positive results.
He said the Commission has visited Nasarawa, Plateau, Kogi and Benue States with resounding enthusiasm and assurance of support and collaboration from the Governors who are major stakeholders.
The MD told the Committee that the Governor of Nasarawa State donated the headquarters office complex in Lafia while other Governors have pledged to provide State offices and other logistics support.
According to Dr. Tsenyil, three MOUs with REA, SMEDAN and NIRSAL are at the last stage of legal vetting to be signed between these agencies and NCDC for collaboration in addressing key issues of empowerment and agricultural development.
On funding, he said the Commission has received some funds that are being utilised to set up the structure and foundational activities. He explained that Procurement processes and Approvals of “No Objection” have been secured from BPP for some prioritised 2025 Budgetary Projects and Programmes, which will soon be awarded.
The Managing Director also disclosed that the Management has secured Board approval for the NCDC Strategic Development Road Map, which will soon be launched at the proposed First-Ever NCDC Regional Stakeholders Development Summit.
He said the Board has also approved for the to commencement of the process of incorporating “NCDC Investment Company” to drive business development and attract alternative funding to the Commission.
After a closed door session, Chairman of the Committee Senator Titus Zam said the invitation was to engage the Management
and take stock of what they have been doing since inauguration and the passing of Budget.
He said having listened to the Managing Director and members of his team, the Committee was satisfied with the efforts to place the Commission on a right footing and carry out projects that are impactful.
He said depsite the slow release of tunds that are a far cry from the approved budget, the Committee was impressed with the vision and prudent management that has given an indication that the Commission will touch the lives of the people of the region.
Senator Zam assured that the Committee will engage the relevant authorities to facilitate the release of more funds for the Commission to focus and achieve results.
He also said the Committee will soon understand a visit to the headquarters of the Commission in Lafia.
