PRESIDENT Bola Ahmed Tinubu has signed the North Central Development Commission (NCDC) bill into law.
The announcement was made by Senate President Godswill Akpabio during a plenary session on Tuesday.
“Let me also inform my colleagues that Mr. President has assented to the North Central Development Commission establishment bill 2024, in order to bring development to the grassroots,” Akpabio stated.
He congratulated the people of the North Central geopolitical zone as he expressed the hope that the commission would enhance development and foster peace in the area.
Meanwhile, Senator Saliu Mustapha, representing Kwara Central, has stated that the NCDC Act will help address the region’s infrastructural challenges.
Mustapha, who chairs the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development, made the remarks in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that President Bola Tinubu had earlier on Tuesday signed the bill into law, officially establishing the NCDC.
Mustapha expressed his satisfaction with the signing of the bill, noting that the North Central region now joined other geopolitical zones in having a dedicated regional development commission aimed at addressing infrastructural deficits and fostering sustainable growth.
According to him, with the signing of the bill into law, President Tinubu has demonstrated a commitment to equitable national development.
He also extended his gratitude to the governors of the North Central states, particularly Gov. AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara, for their political support in ensuring the successful passage of the bill.
Mustapha further acknowledged the instrumental role played by the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, in making the vision of the commission a reality.
“The establishment of the commission is a significant milestone in our region’s history.
“It will serve as a catalyst for development, addressing the unique challenges facing the zone, particularly in the areas of infrastructure, security, and economic growth.
“I am confident that this commission will bring lasting benefits to our people,” Mustapha said.
NAN reports that similar bills for regional development commissions have already been signed into law for the South-West, North-West, and South-East regions by President Tinubu. (NAN)