Senate panel faults FG’s N2.9bn monthly funding for North Central commission, seeks increased allocation

The Senate Committee on the North Central Development Commission (NCDC) has criticised the federal government’s monthly release of N2.9 billion to the commission, describing the funding as grossly inadequate compared to its N140 billion budget for the 2026 fiscal year.

Chairman of the committee, Senator Titus Zam, made the remarks on Tuesday after an interactive session with the commission’s management, noting that the current funding level would amount to less than half of the commission’s approved annual budget if maintained throughout the year.

He said while the allocation was insufficient, it should be viewed as an initial take-off package for the newly established commission.

“Every month, they are given N2.9 billion, which is a drop in the ocean. If you multiply that by 12 months, it is still not up to half of the N140 billion budget,” Zam said.

He commended President Bola Tinubu and the federal government for providing the initial funding, expressing optimism that more resources would be released as the commission becomes fully operational.

The senator also assured that the committee would continue to provide oversight to ensure prudent management of the available funds and guide the commission on priority projects.

Zam urged the commission to focus its interventions on agriculture, mining, security and rural infrastructure, citing the North Central region’s vast agricultural potential and mineral resources.

He said investments in agriculture would help harness the region’s fertile land and favourable climate, while support for mining would boost economic development across the states.

The lawmaker also called on the commission to work with security agencies and state governments to address the growing insecurity in the region.

According to him, the commission should complement existing security efforts while prioritising rural development through the construction of basic infrastructure such as roads, culverts and bridges, given that much of the North Central region remains rural.