Senate Pushes North Central Commission to Fast-Track Projects

The Senate Committee on the North Central Development Commission has directed the commission to make better use of its monthly allocations by delivering visible development projects across the region without delay. The directive was issued on Tuesday in Abuja after a closed-door meeting between members of the committee and the commission’s management.

Speaking after the meeting, the committee chairman, Senator Titus Zam, said the discussion focused on the commission’s implementation plans and the need to ensure that available funds translate into completed projects before the end of the year.

He explained that although the commission had started receiving monthly allocations from the Federal Government, the amount released was still below what was required to fully carry out its responsibilities.

According to Zam, the committee agreed with the commission that the monthly funds should be used immediately for projects that would improve the lives of people across the North Central region. He noted that the commission was created to promote development in rural communities and support rehabilitation efforts in areas affected by insecurity and poor infrastructure.

The lawmaker also disclosed that the committee would begin oversight visits to monitor the commission’s activities. He said the visits would start at the commission’s headquarters in Lafia, Nasarawa State, before extending to projects in the six North Central states.

The aim, he explained, is to assess ongoing programmes and ensure that approved projects are properly executed.

On funding, Zam revealed that the commission currently receives about ₦2.9 billion every month from the Federal Government. He described the amount as inadequate compared to the commission’s approved budget of ₦140 billion, saying the monthly allocation was only enough to support its take-off activities. He added that the committee expected higher releases as the commission expanded its operations.

The committee also advised the commission to concentrate on sectors that reflect the region’s strengths and needs. Zam identified agriculture as a major priority because of the area’s fertile land and favourable climate.

He also urged the commission to support mining activities, improve rural infrastructure such as bridges and culverts, and work with security agencies and state governments to tackle insecurity affecting many communities.

He said the Senate committee would continue working closely with the commission to ensure it fulfils its mandate and delivers meaningful development projects that benefit residents across the North Central region.