The Senate has urged the management of the North-Central Development Commission (NCDC) to prioritise investments in agriculture and security in the implementation of its 2026 budget.
Chairman of the Senate Committee overseeing the Commission, Titus Zam, made the call on Monday when the Commission’s management appeared before the committee to defend its 2026 budget estimates.
Speaking to journalists after the closed-door session, Zam said the committee had thoroughly examined the proposed expenditures and found them aligned with the development needs of the North-Central region. He stressed, however, that spending must strictly reflect the Commission’s core mandate to ensure tangible benefits for the people.
“As a committee overseeing this commission, we have requested that expenditures be prioritised in line with its mandate so that the people of the North-Central region will benefit and derive value from the resources allocated,” he stated.
Zam emphasised that the NCDC’s mandate spans critical sectors including agriculture, security, health, education, public infrastructure, and social services. He noted that agriculture should take precedence, considering the predominantly agrarian character of the region.
He also disclosed that the Commission intends to collaborate with security experts and other stakeholders to strengthen support for security agencies operating within the region.
While expressing overall satisfaction with the 2026 proposals, the committee chairman voiced concern over the implementation of the capital component of the 2025 budget, describing the setbacks as reflective of broader national fiscal challenges experienced during the year.
The committee subsequently approved the Commission’s total budget estimate of ₦140 billion for the 2026 financial year.
“This is the resolution of the committee. We hereby approve the total figure of ₦140 billion for the 2026 financial year for the commission,” Zam affirmed.
