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 said this when the Management Team led by
its Managing Director/CEO Dr. Cyril Yiltsen Tsenyil appeared before it to brief
the members on what it has achieved since establishment.
While
briefing the Committee, Managing Director/CEO Dr. Cyril Yiltsen Tsenyil
appreciated President Bola Tinubu for establishing the Commission and the
National Assembly for giving the necessary legislative backing including the
passing of budgets.
He said
the NCDC has commenced institutional activities by creating linkages with key
MDAs, development partners and States which have yielded positive
results.
He 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
told the 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.
According
to Dr. Tsenyil, 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, he said the Commission has received some funds that are being utilised
to set up the structure and foundational activities. He explained 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 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.
He said
the Board has also approved for the to commencement of the process of
incorporating “NCDC Investment Company” to drive business development and
attract alternative funding to the Commission.
After a
closed door session, Chairman of the Committee Senator Titus Zam said the
invitation was to engage the Management
and take
stock of what they have been doing since inauguration and the passing of
Budget.
He 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 said
depsite the slow release of tunds 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 Commission will touch the lives of the people of
the region.
Senator
Zam assured that the Committee will engage the relevant authorities to
facilitate the release of more funds for the Commission to focus and achieve
results.
He also
said the Committee will soon understand a visit to the headquarters of the
Commission in Lafia.
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