Senate Seeks Increased Funding for NCDC as MD Tsenyil Highlights Early Achievements
By Raphael Ekpang
Abuja (Core Reporters) The Senate Committee on the North Central Development Commission (NCDC) has called for increased funding for the Commission, warning that the current monthly allocation is insufficient to enable it effectively deliver on its mandate.
Chairman of the Committee Senator Titus Zam, made the appeal while briefing journalists after an interactive session between the committee and the management of the Commission at the National Assembly on Tuesday, July 14, 2026.
According to Senator Zam, the ₦2.9 billion monthly allocation currently being released to the Commission is grossly inadequate when compared to its ₦140 billion 2026 budget, describing the funding as “a drop in the ocean.”
He explained that if the current funding level is sustained throughout the year, it would amount to less than half of the Commission’s approved budget.
“If you give someone that has a budget of ₦140 billion, ₦2.9 billion per month, in 12 months, it won’t be up to half of the entire budgetary sum,” he said.
The lawmaker expressed confidence that the Federal Government would increase funding as the Commission becomes fully operational.
“I suppose that is just a temporary package. When the Commission finally comes to fruition, much more funds will be released. So we thank Mr. President and the Executive for releasing something now, but we look forward to more,” he added.
Senator Zam assured that the Senate Committee would continue to provide effective oversight to ensure prudent utilisation of available resources while guiding the Commission on priority areas of intervention.
He urged the Commission to prioritise agriculture, security and rural development, noting that the North Central region is predominantly agrarian and continues to grapple with security challenges.
“North Central is mostly agricultural. We have arable land, good rainfall and rich vegetation. The Commission should take agriculture very seriously. It should also support security agencies and state governments in addressing insecurity, while giving adequate attention to rural development,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Managing Director of the North Central Development Commission, Dr. Cyril Tsenyil, while briefing the members of the Senate committee on NCDC said the Commission has recorded significant milestones within its first eight months of operation.
He disclosed that the Commission has signed several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with strategic partners after extensive engagements, adding that the agreements were thoroughly reviewed by its technical and legal teams to strengthen collaboration and accelerate development across the region.
Dr. Tsenyil also revealed that the Commission has established a steady funding pipeline, with monthly contributions increasing from about ₦2.9 million to approximately ₦14 million, following engagements with development partners and relevant agencies.
He further announced that the Commission has secured approvals from the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) to commence procurement and contract award processes for priority projects captured in its 2025 budget.
According to him, the Commission has also obtained a waiver from the Federal Character Commission to recruit a limited number of staff, with the recruitment process already underway to strengthen its operational capacity.
As part of its long-term development strategy, the Commission’s Board has approved the organisation of the North Central Regional Development Summit, which will bring together key stakeholders to review and implement the Commission’s regional development roadmap.
The Board has equally approved the commencement of the process to establish the North Central Development Commission Investment Company, aimed at mobilising investments and creating sustainable funding sources for development projects across the region.
Dr. Tsenyil added that the Commission is working towards acquiring a permanent headquarters in Abuja, noting that although governors in the region have offered office accommodation in their respective states, a central operational base in the Federal Capital Territory is essential for effective coordination.
He reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to implementing its development agenda and collaborating with stakeholders to promote sustainable socio-economic growth across the North Central region.
