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By Nefishetu Yakubu
The Chairman, Senate Committee on the North Central Development Commission (NCDC), Sen. Titus Zam (Benue North-West) has called on the commission to prioritise agriculture and rural development.
Zam said this is to accelerate economic growth and improve the living conditions of people across the zone.
Addressing newsmen on Tuesday in Abuja after a closed door meeting with the management of the commission, Zam said the committee had agreed with the commission’s management on timelines for implementing developmental programmes.
Zam described the meeting as productive, stressing that members of the committee resolved to ensure that their activities aligned with the commission’s statutory mandate.
He said the federal government had commenced monthly funding for the commission, saying, although the allocations remained below expectations, there was always a gap between our wishes and reality.
The lawmaker disclosed that the committee and management agreed that the available funds should be prudently utilised to guarantee measurable results.
“We want to see clear deliverables consistent with the commission’s mandate,” he said.
He said the committee would immediately commence oversight visits, beginning with the commission’s headquarters before touring the North-Central states.
He added that the visit would them assess all ongoing and proposed projects.
According to him, both parties resolved to work closely to ensure effective service delivery and justify the confidence reposed in the commission.
“We do not want to disappoint President Bola Tinubu,” he added.
Responding to questions on funding, the chairman said that the commission currently received N2.9 billion monthly, describing the amount as inadequate for its responsibilities.
He noted that the commission had a budget of N140 billion, stressing that the present monthly allocation fell significantly short of funding requirements, expressing optimism that additional money would be released.
“We appreciate the President for providing a take-off package and we expect more funds when the commission fully comes on stream,” he added.
On development priorities, the chairman said the committee advised the commission to concentrate on agriculture, mining, security and rural infrastructure, adding that the North-Central possessed enormous agricultural potential.
He said the zone enjoyed fertile land, favourable rainfall and vegetation suitable for large-scale farming, urging the commission to prioritise agricultural development.
The chairman also identified mining as another critical sector requiring intervention, noting that many North-Central states possessed abundant mineral resources.
He urged the commission to support sustainable mining activities and collaborate with security agencies and state governments in tackling insecurity across the zone.
Zam also called on the commission to publicly unveil its development blueprint to enable citizens monitor progress and assess performance.
According to him, people should know what the commission plans to achieve,” he said.
He expressed satisfaction with the outcome of the meeting, saying the committee remained committed to supporting the commission.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
NY/FEO
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Edited by Francis Onyeukwu
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