The Senate Committee on the North Central Development Commission (NCDC) has officially approved a ₦140 billion budget for the 2025 fiscal year, marking a significant milestone in the federal government’s commitment to regional development and infrastructure renewal across Nigeria’s North Central zone.
The announcement was made following a budget defence session led by NCDC Managing Director, Mr. Tsenyil Yiltsen, before the committee chaired by Senator Titus Zam. The committee praised the commission’s detailed presentation and pledged legislative support for transparent and equitable implementation of the budget.
“After a careful review of the provisions in the budget and the eloquent presentation by the MD and his team, the committee has approved the budget of ₦140 billion as presented by the commission,” Senator Zam stated.
Of the total allocation, ₦100 billion is earmarked for capital projects across the six North Central states—Benue, Kogi, Kwara, Nasarawa, Niger, and Plateau—as well as the Federal Capital Territory. These projects will span eight thematic areas including security, agriculture, mining, environmental restoration, education, healthcare, and road construction.
The remaining ₦40 billion will cover recurrent expenditures such as overheads and personnel costs. Mr. Yiltsen also disclosed plans to recruit 200 new staff members, pending approval from the Office of the Head of Service.
“We will carry out proper needs assessments in all the states and ensure fairness in project distribution across the zone and the FCT,” Yiltsen assured lawmakers.
The committee urged state governments within the zone to provide office accommodations for the commission’s branches and emphasized the importance of judicious fund utilization, particularly the capital component.