The Senate Committee on the North Central Development Commission (NCDC) has given its nod to the commission’s proposed 2025 budget of N140 billion, emphasizing the need for transparency and prudent management of the funds.
The approval was announced on Tuesday by Committee Chairman, Senator Titus Zam, following a budget defence session led by NCDC Managing Director, Tsenyil Yiltsen, at the National Assembly in Abuja.
Senator Zam stated that the committee’s decision came after a thorough review of the budget provisions and an impressive presentation by Yiltsen and his team.
“The approval reflects our confidence in the commission’s plans, but we charge them to ensure every kobo is used judiciously and transparently once the Senate passes the budget,” Zam remarked.
Yiltsen, in his presentation, outlined that the Federal Government allocated N140 billion to the NCDC for the 2025 fiscal year. Of this amount, N100 billion is designated for capital projects across the six North Central states—Benue, Kogi, Kwara, Nasarawa, Niger, and Plateau—and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The remaining N40 billion will cover recurrent costs, including personnel salaries and overhead expenses.
The capital allocation will focus on eight key areas: security, agriculture, mining, environmental degradation, education, health, road construction, and infrastructure development.
Yiltsen assured the committee that the commission would conduct comprehensive needs assessments to ensure equitable distribution of projects across the zone and the FCT.
“Our goal is to address critical developmental needs while ensuring fairness and inclusivity,” he said.
The recurrent budget includes provisions for hiring 200 new staff, pending approval from the Office of the Head of Service.
Yiltsen noted that these personnel would strengthen the commission’s capacity to execute its mandate effectively.
The Senate Committee commended the NCDC’s detailed and strategic presentation but stressed the importance of accountability, particularly in managing the N100 billion capital vote.
Additionally, the committee urged the governments of the six North Central states and the FCT to provide office spaces for the NCDC’s branch operations to facilitate its work.
The approval marks a significant step toward addressing developmental challenges in the North Central region, aligning with broader national efforts to promote equitable growth, as highlighted in President Bola Tinubu’s recent Independence Day address.
The budget now awaits final passage by the Senate, with expectations that the NCDC will deliver impactful projects that uplift the region’s communities.
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