…Expresses satisfaction with performance of board and Management
The Senate Committee on North Central Development Commission (NCDC) has expressed satisfaction with the efforts of the Governing Board and Management towards giving the Commission a sound footing.
Chairman of the Committee, Senator Titus Zam, who gave the nod of approval for the performance of the Commission, noted that despite the slow release of funds that are a far cry from the approved budget, the Committee was impressed with the vision and prudent management that has given an indication that the NCDC will touch the lives of the people of the region.
Senator Zam assured the NCDC that his committee will engage relevant authorities to facilitate the release of more funds for the Commission to focus and achieve results.
Zam, who stated these when the management team of the NCDC led by its Managing Director/CEO, Dr. Cyril Yiltsen Tsenyil appeared before it to brief members of the committee on what it has achieved since establishment, said the upper chamber of the National Assembly is impressed with the performance of the NCDC so far.
While briefing the Senate Committee, Dr. Tsenyil appreciated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for establishing the Commission and the National Assembly for giving the necessary legislative backing including the passage of its budgets.
Tsenyil said the NCDC has commenced institutional activities by creating linkages with key MDAs, development partners and States which have yielded positive results.
The MD further said the Commission has visited Nasarawa, Plateau, Kogi and Benue States with resounding enthusiasm and assurance of support and collaboration from the Governors who are major stakeholders.
The MD also told the Senate Committee that the Governor of Nasarawa State donated the headquarters office complex in Lafia while other Governors have pledged to provide State offices and other logistics support.
In the words of Dr. Tsenyil; “The three MOUs with REA, SMEDAN and NIRSAL are at the last stage of legal vetting to be signed between these agencies and NCDC for collaboration in addressing key issues of empowerment and agricultural development”.
On funding, Tsenyil said the Commission has received some funds that are being utilised to set up the structure and foundational activities.
He further said that procurement processes and approvals of “No Objection” have been secured from BPP for some prioritised 2025 Budgetary Projects and Programmes, which will soon be awarded.
The Managing Director also disclosed that the management of the commission has secured Board approval for the NCDC Strategic Development Road Map, which will soon be launched at the proposed First-Ever NCDC Regional Stakeholders Development Summit.
Tsenyil said the Board has also approved for the commencement of the process of incorporating “NCDC Investment Company” to drive business development and attract alternative funding to the Commission.
A statement by Dr. Makut Simon Macham, Head, Media and Corporate Communications of the NCDC, stated that after a closed-door session, the Chairman of the Committee, Senator Titus Zam said the invitation was to engage the management of the NCDC in order to take stock of what they have been doing since inauguration and the passing of Budget.
Zam said having listened to the Managing Director and members of his team, the Committee was satisfied with the efforts to place the Commission on a right footing and carry out projects that are impactful.
He also said the Committee will soon undertake a visit to the headquarters of the Commission in Lafia.
