Tinubu forwards 19 nominees for North-Central Development Commission board to Senate

In a strategic push to boost regional development, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has submitted a list of 19 nominees to the Senate for confirmation as members of the board of the newly established North-Central Development Commission (NCDC).

The move was formally announced during Thursday’s plenary session, where Senate President Godswill Akpabio read the President’s letter to the lawmakers.

The commission is expected to play a crucial role in addressing developmental challenges and rebuilding infrastructure across North-Central states affected by insecurity and underdevelopment.

“In accordance with the provisions of Part I, Section 2(2)(a) of the North-Central Development Commission (Establishment) Act, 2024… I write to present, for confirmation by the Senate, in consultation with the House of Representatives, the appointments of the under-listed nineteen (19) persons,” the letter read.

The commission is designed to drive economic growth, infrastructure development, and social welfare across Nigeria’s North-Central region.

Nominees for the NCDC Board Include:

• Cosmas Akyhir (Chairman, Benue)

• Tsenyil Yiltsen (Managing Director/CEO, Plateau)

• Dauda Kigbu (Member, Nasarawa)

• Zakari Jikantoro (Member, Niger)

• Sulaiman Ali (Member, Kogi)

• Rev. Bunmi Olusona (Member, Kwara)

• Dr. Umar Mantu (Member, Plateau)

  

• Atotse Abraham (Member, Benue)

• Solomon Adodo (Member, FCT)

• Abdulkadir Usman (Member, North-West)

• Habu Mamman (Member, North-East)

• Dr. Atinuke Owolabi (Member, South-West)

• Racheal Nse (Member, South-South)

• Boniface Izziogu (Member, South-East)

This diverse board represents a cross-section of Nigeria’s geopolitical zones, signaling the administration’s commitment to inclusive governance and regional integration.

The nominees will now await screening and confirmation by the Senate in consultation with the House of Representatives.

Other appointees include James Uloko (Executive Director, Benue); Atika Ajanah (Executive Director, Projects, Kogi); Hajiya Bilgis Sanni (Executive Director, Kwara); Hajiya Aishatu Ibrahim (Executive Director, Nasarawa); and Muhammad Bashar (Executive Director, Niger).

“While hoping that the request will receive the usual expeditious consideration of the Senate, please accept, Distinguished Senate President, the assurances of my highest consideration,” Tinubu added.