By peterside Rejoice
The Senate Committee on the North Central Development Commission (NCDC) has approved a total sum of N140 billion as the Commission’s budgetary allocation for the 2026 fiscal year, reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment to addressing developmental challenges in the North Central region.
The approval followed an extensive budget defence session held on Monday at the National Assembly, where officials of the Commission presented their 2026 estimates before members of the committee.
Chairman of the Committee, Senator Titus Zam, said the approved allocation is designed to accelerate development and stabilize communities across the six states of the North Central geopolitical zone. He noted that the region has faced persistent security challenges, displacement, infrastructural deficits, and agricultural disruptions, all of which require targeted and sustained intervention.
According to him, a significant portion of the N140 billion will be directed toward critical infrastructure projects, including the rehabilitation and construction of roads, rural electrification, water supply schemes, and public facilities aimed at improving living standards in underserved communities.
Zam explained that the Commission is also expected to intensify security-related interventions, particularly in areas affected by banditry and communal conflicts. He said the funding will support initiatives designed to assist displaced persons, rebuild affected communities, and restore livelihoods.
The lawmaker further disclosed that agricultural development would form a key pillar of the 2026 budget, with planned investments in farm inputs, extension services, and value-chain support programmes to boost food production and enhance economic activities in rural areas.
He emphasized the need for strict adherence to transparency and accountability standards in the utilization of public funds. According to him, the committee will not tolerate any deviation from approved budgetary provisions and will closely monitor project implementation to ensure value for money.
“The North Central Development Commission must justify the confidence reposed in it by ensuring that every kobo allocated translates into visible impact in our communities,” Zam stated.
Members of the committee also stressed the importance of aligning projects with the core mandate of the Commission, urging its management to prioritize programmes that promote economic growth, improve access to healthcare and education, and strengthen social services delivery.
The committee assured stakeholders that it would sustain its oversight functions throughout the fiscal year to guarantee effective implementation of the 2026 budget. Lawmakers maintained that the success of the intervention agency would be measured by its ability to deliver tangible development outcomes and restore stability across the North Central region.
The N140 billion allocation is expected to form part of the overall 2026 Appropriation Bill currently before the National Assembly for consideration and passage.
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