By Dr. Nafisat Makinde
The Senate Committee on the North Central Development Commission (NCDC) has approved a ₦140 billion budget for 2025, but with a strong caveat: the funds must be deployed transparently and deliver tangible results in addressing insecurity, displacement, and underdevelopment across the region.
The endorsement followed the commission’s budget defence, which took place on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, before the Senate Committee. Committee Chairman, Senator Titus Zam, confirmed the approval in Abuja on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, stressing that lawmakers endorsed the plan based on assurances from the commission’s Managing Director, Mr. Tsenyil Yiltsen. He warned that Nigerians would judge the agency not by its promises but by visible impact.
The budget allocates ₦100 billion to capital projects and ₦40 billion to recurrent expenditure. According to Yiltsen, capital spending will prioritize security, agriculture, mining, education, health, environmental restoration, and infrastructure, guided by needs assessments to ensure equitable distribution across the six North Central states and the FCT.
He further emphasized that the commission’s work goes beyond physical development. “Our mission is not just about roads and buildings; it is about restoring dignity and stability to communities,” Yiltsen said, citing resettlement of displaced persons, environmental rehabilitation, and community reintegration as key priorities.
Lawmakers, however, cautioned against waste and politicisation, urging the commission to ensure accountability, fairness in project siting, and timely delivery. They also appealed to state governments to provide office accommodation for NCDC branches to facilitate smooth operations.
For millions of residents in Benue, Plateau, Niger, Kogi, Kwara, Nasarawa, and the FCT, the ₦140 billion allocation raises hopes for peace and progress. Yet, citizens remain vigilant—watching to see whether the NCDC can chart a new course or repeat the shortcomings of past intervention agencies.
