In a significant legislative milestone, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has signed into law the bill establishing the North-Central Development Commission (NCDC). This new commission aims to address the developmental challenges in the North-Central region, which has faced various socio-economic issues over the years. The bill, which passed both chambers of the National Assembly, marks a major step in improving infrastructure and socio-economic conditions in the area.
The Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, made the announcement today on the Senate floor, confirming that President Tinubu signed the bill into law. The creation of the NCDC is expected to accelerate development efforts and provide a coordinated response to issues such as poverty, infrastructure deficits, and insecurity in the region. The commission will have the authority to plan and execute development projects while fostering regional cooperation.
The bill, initially presented by Sen. Simon Mwadkwon, was read for the first time in the House of Representatives on July 4, 2019, along with several other critical bills. The NCDC bill is part of a broader agenda to establish commissions focusing on specific regional challenges, following similar models in other parts of the country like the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
With the establishment of the NCDC, the government seeks to strengthen its focus on regional development in Nigeria, particularly in areas that have been historically underdeveloped. The signing of this bill underscores the administration’s commitment to ensuring that no part of the country is left behind in its development plans.
