NCDC Puts Energy, Infrastructure at Centre of North Central Development Drive

 

 

 

 

 

 NCDC Puts Energy, Infrastructure at Centre of North Central Development Drive
 

 

....Commission Targets Energy Resources, Strategic Corridors, Minerals, Digital Connectivity and Investment as Summit Adopts 20-Year Development Framework.



By HYPENEWS Reports

Energy development and strategic infrastructure have emerged as central priorities in efforts by the North Central Development Commission (NCDC) to unlock the region's economic potential over the next two decades.



This was a major outcome of the maiden North Central Stakeholders Development Summit in Abuja, where participants adopted a seven-point communiqué covering economic development, infrastructure, social development, security, climate and environment, digital economy, and sustainable financing.



Held under the theme, “The Great Leap Forward: A 20-Year Economic, Infrastructural and Social Development Plan for the North Central Region,” the Summit examined ways of converting the region's agricultural, mineral, energy and human resources into sustainable economic opportunities.

The communiqué was read by NCDC Executive Director, Finance, and Chairman of the Technical Committee, Prof. Muhammad Bashar Nuhu.



Participants identified the region's substantial energy, mineral, agricultural and water resources as key assets requiring stronger infrastructure, investment and value-chain development.



They noted that while North Central has considerable natural and human resources, these have yet to consistently translate into higher productivity, industrial capacity, incomes and improved social outcomes.



The Summit recommended a GIS-enabled regional economic database covering minerals, land, farms, water resources, infrastructure gaps, productive assets and investment opportunities.



The database is expected to strengthen investment planning and highlight infrastructure needs around areas with significant economic potential.


Participants called for an integrated infrastructure programme connecting the six states and the Federal Capital Territory through roads, rail, inland waterways and modern logistics systems.



Priority should be given to corridors capable of unlocking agricultural production, mineral resources, industrial activity, energy investments and regional trade.



The Abuja–Lokoja Road was specifically identified for urgent attention, while the Summit also recommended feasibility assessments for regional rail, Baro inland-port logistics, dry-port connections and modern freight systems.



The objective is to strengthen links between production centres, markets and investment destinations while reducing infrastructure constraints on economic activity.


The Summit called for state-specific agricultural and livestock value chains covering inputs, mechanisation, irrigation, storage, processing, packaging, branding, logistics and exports.



Priority projects are to be developed into bankable quick wins capable of attracting public, private and development-finance capital.

The approach is intended to encourage greater value addition within the region rather than relying primarily on the movement of unprocessed agricultural and mineral resources out of production areas.



Climate and environmental challenges featured prominently, with participants proposing a North Central Climate and Disaster Resilience Programme.

The initiative would map flood, erosion, drought, mining and other environmental hazards while establishing community risk profiles, early-warning systems and evacuation protocols.



Recommended interventions include desilting, drainage clearing, protection of waterways, erosion control and assessment of dam and reservoir solutions.



Participants also called for stronger enforcement against unsafe development along flood corridors to protect roads, energy infrastructure, agricultural assets and communities.


The Summit urged NCDC to expand broadband and affordable digital access across the six states, the FCT, local governments, wards and underserved rural communities.

It also recommended establishing AI, digital-skills and teacher-training centres, beginning with computer-enabled facilities in primary schools.



Improved digital connectivity is expected to support education, entrepreneurship, innovation, public services and technology-driven businesses.


Stakeholders acknowledged that public funding alone cannot finance the scale of infrastructure and economic development required.

The Summit recommended matching financing instruments to the economic and public value of individual projects.



Commercially viable projects should attract private investment, while projects with strong economic benefits but weaker initial returns could use blended finance. Essential non-commercial services would continue to require appropriate public funding.


NCDC also signed Memoranda of Understanding with the Nigeria Incentive-Based Risk Sharing System for Agricultural Lending (NIRSAL) and the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) to strengthen agriculture, entrepreneurship and enterprise development.



The agreements followed months of engagements and institutional visits by NCDC to the two agencies.

NCDC Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Cyril Yiltsen Tsenyil, NIRSAL Executive Director Ewaen Imohe, and SMEDAN Director General Charles Odii, pledged to collaborate towards improving productivity, entrepreneurship and investment in the region.



The Chairman of the NCDC Governing Board, Barr. Cosmas Akighir, and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Regional Development, Dr. Mary Ogbe, expressed support for the partnerships and pledged appropriate oversight.


Participants recommended formal institutional backing for the 20-year development framework and a Programme Management Office within NCDC to oversee major programmes, project preparation, financing, risk management and performance reporting.

The proposed structure would bring together NCDC, the Mandate States, FCT, federal institutions, local governments, traditional institutions, the private sector, communities and development partners around clearly defined responsibilities.


In his closing remarks, Dr. Tsenyil thanked participants for their active and patriotic participation, saying their contributions would help shape the performance and long-term legacy of the Commission.

Chairman of the Central Steering Committee, Alh. Suleiman Baba Ali, commended the level of participation and thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, special guests and stakeholders for attending and contributing to the Summit.





He also appreciated members of the Central Steering Committee and various sub-committees for their commitment and dedication towards delivering the event.





The Summit's recommendations place energy, infrastructure, resource development, climate resilience, digital connectivity and investment mobilisation at the centre of efforts to translate North Central's considerable natural and human resources into sustained economic activity.





HYPE.NEWS