NCDC management attends high-level stakeholders engagement on regional development

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The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the North Central Development Commission (NCDC), Dr. Cyril Tsenyil Yiltsen, along with members of the Management Team, is participating in the High-Level Stakeholders Engagement on Regional Development taking place at the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), Office of the National Security Adviser, Abuja.

The Managing Director was accompanied by the Executive Director, (Projects), Princess Atika Ajanah, Executive Director (Administration and Human Resources), Hajiya Bilqis Jumoke Sani, Executive Director, (Finance), Prof. Mohammad Bashar.

Declaring the event open, Vice President Kashim Shettima, represented by the Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Senator Ibrahim Hassan Hadeija, stated that the Development Commissions were established to bring governance closer to the people.

He noted that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is committed to closing development gaps nationwide as part of his Renewed Hope Agenda, in order to stimulate growth and shared prosperity.
The Vice President emphasized Nigeria’s federal structure, highlighting the importance of complementing the roles of the various tiers of government through institutions such as the Development Commissions.

In a message delivered at the event, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, stressed the need for strong synergy among the three tiers of government.

He cautioned against unhealthy competition and political interference that could hinder the developmental objectives of the Commissions.

He advised focusing on key priority areas capable of delivering mega projects with far-reaching impact.

Minister for Regional Development, Engr. Abubakar Momoh, explained that the stakeholders’ engagement provides a platform for peer review, strategic alignment, and strengthening of projects and plans by the various Development Commissions.

Also speaking, the Minister of State for Regional Development, Alhaji Uba Maigari, urged the Commissions to ensure visible and tangible developmental outcomes that directly improve the lives of citizens.

The Minister of Budget and National Planning, Senator Atiku Abubakar Bagudu, noted that the mandate of the Development Commissions can only be achieved through collaboration, consultation, and synergy—rather than working in isolation or competing with states and local governments.

He advised the Boards and Management Teams of the Commissions to avoid actions that may give the impression of usurping the responsibilities of other government tiers.

In their goodwill messages, the UN Resident Coordinator in Nigeria, Mohamed Malick, and UNICEF Country Representative, Wafaa Saeed Abdellatef, commended the establishment of the Development Commissions and pledged full support and partnership from the UN system and its agencies.

The Coordinator of the National Counter Terrorism Centre, Major General Adamu Laka, described the engagement as a crucial step in addressing issues that could influence the success or failure of the newly established Commissions.

Senior Special Assistant to the President on Regional Development, Dr. Mariam Masha, appreciated the collaboration that facilitated the meeting, describing it as a positive sign for the future of regional development efforts.

The engagement later continued with technical sessions where experts delivered presentations.