Senate Committee raises concern over NCDC funding shortfall

The Senate Committee on the North Central Development Commission (NCDC) has expressed deep concern over the grossly inadequate federal funding released to the commission.

The Committee declared that the Federal Government’s current monthly release of ₦2.9 billion falls short of the commission’s approved ₦140 billion budget, threatening its regional development mandate.

Despite these constraints, the committee commended the NCDC Governing Board and Management for building a strong institutional foundation.

The position was contained in a statement signed by the Head of Media and Corporate Communications of the Commission, Dr. Makut Simon Macham, and made available to journalists on Wednesday.

According to the statement, Chairman of the Senate Committee, Senator Titus Zam, spoke after the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Commission, Dr. Cyril Yiltsen Tsenyil, led the management team to brief lawmakers on the Commission’s activities since its establishment.

Zam said the committee was satisfied with the efforts of the Commission’s leadership in building the necessary structures required to drive development across the North-Central region.

He noted that despite the limited release of funds, which he said was far below the approved budget, the committee was impressed by the Commission’s vision, prudent management and commitment to implementing projects that would improve the lives of people in the region.

“We invited the management to take stock of what they have done since inauguration and the passage of the budget.

“Having listened to the Managing Director and his team, we are satisfied with the efforts being made to place the Commission on the right footing.

“Despite the slow release of funds, which is far below the approved budget, we are encouraged by the prudent management and vision demonstrated by the Commission.

“We will engage the relevant authorities to ensure more funds are released for it to achieve meaningful results,” Zam said.

The senator assured that the committee would engage relevant government authorities to facilitate the release of additional funds to enable the Commission to effectively execute its mandate.

He also disclosed that members of the committee would soon embark on an oversight visit to the Commission’s headquarters in Lafia, Nasarawa State.

Earlier, Tsenyil appreciated President Bola Tinubu for establishing the NCDC and the National Assembly for providing the legislative backing and approving budgets for the Commission.

He said the Commission had commenced institutional activities through partnerships with key Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), development partners and state governments across the North-Central region.

According to him, the Commission had engaged the governments of Nasarawa, Plateau, Kogi and Benue states, all of which pledged support and collaboration.

Tsenyil disclosed that the Nasarawa State Government had donated an office complex in Lafia to serve as the Commission’s headquarters, while other states had also pledged office accommodation and logistical support.

He further revealed that Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), and Nigeria Incentive-Based Risk Sharing System for Agricultural Lending (NIRSAL) had reached the final stage of legal vetting ahead of formal signing.

According to him, the partnerships are aimed at promoting empowerment, agricultural development and economic growth across the region.

The NCDC boss said the Commission had begun utilising available funds to establish its operational structures and carry out other foundational activities.

He added that procurement processes and Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) “No Objection” approvals had been secured for priority projects captured in the 2025 budget, paving the way for implementation.

Tsenyil also disclosed that the Board had approved the Commission’s Strategic Development Roadmap, which would be unveiled at the maiden North Central Regional Stakeholders Development Summit.

He added that the Board had approved the commencement of the process of incorporating the NCDC Investment Company to promote business development and attract alternative sources of funding for the Commission.

𝕤𝕖𝕖 𝕞𝕠𝕣𝕖/𝕨𝕒𝕥𝕔𝕙 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕧𝕚𝕕𝕖𝕠 𝕙𝕖𝕣𝕖