Editor
By Fatima Saka
Senate on Thursdays confirmed the North Central Development Commission (NCDC) Establishment Bill.
The was championed by Senator Abba Patrick Moro PhD from Benue South Senatorial District and Senate Minority Leader, along with other senators from North Central Nigeria.
This bill, which underwent First and Second Readings on the 5th of October, 2023, and 21st of February, 2024 respectively, was initially introduced in the 9th Senate by Senator Moro. Although it passed the Readings in the 9th Senate, it did not receive presidential approval before the end of the term.
Senator Moro contended during his presentation that the commission, once established, would be responsible for managing funds from the federal government and donors. These funds would be allocated for the resettlement, rehabilitation, integration, and reconstruction of infrastructure affected by natural disasters, conflicts between farmers and herders, communal clashes, construction of drainage systems, river dredging, and addressing issues of poverty, illiteracy, and other developmental challenges in North Central Nigeria.
The bill’s approval came after the Senate Committee on Special Duties presented its report during the plenary session.
During the proceedings, Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin, extended congratulations to Senator Moro and all involved in the bill’s success. He expressed confidence that President Tinubu would endorse the bill, leading to the overall progress and development of North Central Nigeria, encompassing Kogi, Niger, Benue, Kwara, Plateau, Nasarawa, and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
