By Ali Abare
Of recent, the media, especially the new media, have been inundated with debates about purported attempts by the Senate Majority Leader, Senator Bamidele Opeyemi (APC, Ekiti Central) to relocate the headquarters of the newly established North Central Development Commission (NCDC) from Lafia, Nasarawa State to Minna in Niger State.
Even though the matter suffered a natural death, the debates for and against the motion said to have been proposed by Senator Opeyemi continue to dominate the media space, pushing to the back burner the most significant act of the Tenth Senate following the signing of the bill establishing the NCDC.
While contending parties focus on the moribund proposal by the senate majority leader, the senate has amended the Act establishing the NCDC to provide for representation across the geopolitical zones in line with the principles of the federal character.
Specifically, the amendments were effected to address those who will occupy top and strategic positions in the commission and the funding inconsistencies to align the commissions with the provisions of the Consolidated Revenue Fund, as mandated by the constitution.
Not only that, and most significantly, the senate also amended the law to ensure that the funding sources of the commision comply with constitutional requirements, which in essence cleared the way for the NCDC to be funded in the 2025 budget.
Indeed, carried away by the brouhaha over the attempt to relocate the headquarters of the commission, these monumental achievements, which were obviously informed by the recent call by the governors of the North Central geopolitical zone for the members of the National Assembly from the zone to rise to the challenge and ensure that the NCDC is funded in the 2025 budget.
Recall that in a meeting recently convened by the Chairman, North Central Governors’ Forum and Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State, governors from the zone sought the cooperation and support of their lawmakers to ensure that the NCDC is funded to Kickstart activities at the commission.
Apparently, in response to this strident call by the governors, lawmakers from the zone may have canvassed for the inclusion of the NCDC in the 2025 budget which necessitated the recent amendment of the Act establishing the commission as mentioned above.
For the avoidance of doubt, this by no means whatsoever underrates the clandestine approach by some vested interest to seek to relocate the headquarters of the NCDC from Lafia to another location of their choice.
This is to acknowledge the good work the Senate has done in order to accommodate the NCDC and to ensure the smooth take-off of the commission, notwithstanding that this gesture was overshadowed by the needless controversy over the attempt to relocate the headquarters of the NCDC.
The amendments were initiated after a legislative review discovered inconsistencies in certain clauses of the Act and constitutional provisions regarding public funds.
The Senate Leader led the debate on the proposed changes, emphasisng the need to correct Clause 14 of the Act, which conflicted with Section 162 of the constitution.
“The bill seeks to amend the North Central Development Act 2025 to provide for representatives from the six geopolitical zones of the federation in line with the principles of federal character as enshrined in Section 14 of the Constitution.
“Section 14 of the Act is in conflict with section 162 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended,” he said.
He further highlighted that the inconsistencies could lead to legal conflicts and hinder the effective operation of the commission.
“Therefore, this proposed amendment is prepared to forestall unnecessary litigation. This will facilitate the smooth take off of the commission.”
According to media reports, the laws establishing the North-West Development Commission, South-West Development Commission and South-East Development Commission were also amended at the Senate to ensure that their funding sources comply with constitutional requirements.
With the revisions, all regional development commissions have now fully complied with constitutional provisions.
The revised bills will be sent to the House of Representatives for concurrence. If they are passed by the House without further amendments, they will be re-transmitted to President Ahmed Bola Tinubu for assent.
While it is possible that some interested parties are attempting to relocate the headquarters of the NCDC from Lafia to Minna, it is pertinent to state that Nasarawa State stands out as a compelling choice to host the NCDC. The reasons for this are not farfetched.
Under the leadership of Governor Abdullahi Sule, Nasarawa has demonstrated remarkable progress in maintaining peace, fostering development, and creating an enabling environment for growth. These factors make it the most suitable host for the NCDC headquarters.
It is on record that Nasarawa State has enjoyed relative peace and stability under Governor Sule’s administration. Unlike some neighboring states grappling with security challenges, Nasarawa has prioritized conflict resolution, community engagement, and proactive security measures.
It is, therefore, not gainsaying the fact that this peaceful environment is critical for the effective operation of the NCDC, ensuring that its activities are not disrupted by insecurity. Hosting the NCDC headquarters in Nasarawa would also serve as a testament to the state’s success in maintaining stability, which is essential for regional development.
Again, Nasarawa State’s geographical position in the North Central region makes it a strategic hub for the NCDC. It shares borders with the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, providing easy access to federal institutions and resources. This proximity to the nation’s capital enhances Nasarawa’s connectivity and accessibility, making it an ideal location for coordinating development projects across the region. The state’s central location ensures that stakeholders from other North Central states can easily reach the NCDC headquarters for collaboration and meetings.
In fact, Governor Sule has been a driving force behind Nasarawa State’s transformation, with his administration focusing on infrastructure development, education, healthcare, and agriculture, thereby laying a solid foundation for sustainable growth.
Some of the achievements of the administration include the construction and rehabilitation of roads, establishment of modern healthcare facilities, and the promotion of agricultural innovation through partnerships with private investors. These strides align with the NCDC’s mandate to drive development in the North Central region, making Nasarawa a natural fit for hosting the commission.
Nasarawa State is rich in natural resources, including solid minerals and arable land, which are vital for economic development. Governor Sule has actively promoted investment in these sectors, attracting both local and international investors. By hosting the NCDC headquarters, Nasarawa can leverage its economic potential to support the commission’s initiatives, fostering regional economic integration and growth. The state’s commitment to creating a business-friendly environment further strengthens its case as the ideal host.
Most importantly, Governor Sule has consistently demonstrated a commitment to regional cooperation and development. His administration has worked closely with neighboring states to address shared challenges and promote collective progress. This spirit of collaboration aligns with the NCDC’s mission to foster unity and development across the North Central region. Hosting the NCDC headquarters in Nasarawa would reinforce this commitment and provide a platform for enhanced regional partnerships.
Undeniably, Nasarawa State’s relative peace, strategic location, and impressive development strides under Governor Sule make it the ideal host for the NCDC headquarters. By choosing Nasarawa, the Federal Government would not only recognize the state’s achievements but also position the NCDC for success in its mission to drive regional development.
In fact, Nasarawa’s commitment to peace, progress, and collaboration ensures that the NCDC will have a strong foundation to fulfill its mandate and uplift the North Central region.
Abare is the Senior Special Assistant on Media to Governor Abdullahi Sule
