Jelili Gbadamosi
Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, has called on the North Central Development Commission (NCDC) to prioritise tackling insecurity, communal clashes and climate-related challenges affecting states in the North Central region.
Bago made the appeal while receiving the commission’s management, led by Governing Board Chairman, Barr. Cosmas Akighir, at the Government House in Minna.
The governor stressed the need for the commission to develop sustainable solutions to recurring security threats, particularly farmer-herder clashes, as well as the growing impact of climate change on communities across the region.
He also renewed his call for the Federal Government to grant Niger State a 13 per cent derivation, arguing that the state bears enormous environmental and economic losses from annual flooding caused by water releases from the Kainji, Jebba, Shiroro and Zungeru hydropower dams.
According to him, the recurring floods have destroyed farmlands, displaced residents and threatened livelihoods, making a strong case for compensation through derivation.
Bago proposed a meeting between North Central governors and the NCDC to harmonise strategies for addressing the region’s unique security and developmental challenges.
He said such engagement would enable the commission to better understand the needs of member states and implement targeted interventions.
The governor also urged the commission to invest more in agriculture and education, describing both sectors as key drivers of sustainable development and economic growth.
He assured the commission of the Niger State Government’s support, including the provision of a liaison office and other logistics to facilitate its operations.
Earlier, the Managing Director of the NCDC, Cyril Tsenyil, reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to working closely with member states to promote sustainable development across the region.
He said the commission’s focus areas include transportation, road infrastructure, healthcare, education, agriculture, industrialisation, water supply, electricity and telecommunications, while also pledging collaboration with states to address insecurity and other developmental challenges.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the NCDC Governing Board, Barr. Cosmas Akighir, said the visit was part of the commission’s tour of member states to introduce its leadership and identify areas for partnership.
Akighir commended Governor Bago’s efforts in agriculture, infrastructure and governance, describing them as impactful initiatives that have contributed to the development of Niger State.
