The Senate on Thursday confirmed the appointments of key officials to lead the board of the North Central Development Commission (NCDC), and two other newly created regional development commissions, in a significant move aimed at accelerating regional development.
The NCDC board has Cosmas T. Akighir as Chairman and Tsenyil Cyril Yiltsen as Managing Director. Other Executive Directors include James Abel Uloko, Princess Atika Ajanah, Hajia Bilqis Jimoke Sanni, Hajia Aishatu Rujui Ibrahim, and Muhammad Bashar.
NewsQuest reports that the NCDC board comprises nominees from all six North Central states as well as representatives from the remaining geopolitical zones.
Senate also approved the confirmation of the leadership of the boards of the South West Development Commission (SWDC), and the South-South Development Commission (SSDC).
The confirmations followed the consideration and adoption of reports by the Senate Committees overseeing each commission during plenary.
The South West Development Commission and the Senate confirmed Senator Olubunmi Adetunmbi as Chairman and Dr. Charles Akindiji Akinola as Managing Director.
Others confirmed as Executive Directors include Mr. Olusegun Joshua Olufehinti (Projects), Mr. Tele Ogunjobi (Finance), and Rt. Hon. Barr. Funmilayo Tejuosho (Corporate Services), Mr. Fatai Ibikunle (Commercial & Environmental Development), and Alhaji Lateef Oladimeji Ajijola (Social & Human Capital Development).
The board also includes representatives from across the South West and other geopolitical zones, such as Hon. Bolaji Idris Ariyo (Lagos), Hon. Scholastic Olanike Omoworare (Osun), and Rear Admiral Abdul Biu Adamu (North East), among others.
In the South-South Development Commission, Honourable Chibudom Nwuche was confirmed as Chairman, while Usoro Offiong Akpabio took the helm as Managing Director.
Others appointed as Executive Directors are Hon. Marcus Nle Eji, Engr. Aganaba Preye Steven, Dr. Timi Alari Ayibatonye, Hon. Joseph Ugheoke, and Ambassador Sony Abang.
Confirmed board members represent all six South-South states and other zones, including figures like Rt. Hon. Larry Odey (Cross River) and Barr. Femi Osie (Edo).
Speaking during the confirmation session, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, lauded the legislative decision as a bold step toward equitable national development.
He said the newly constituted boards are expected to drive infrastructure, economic empowerment, and capacity-building projects in their respective regions.
The establishment of these commissions, modeled after the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), marks a legislative milestone in Nigeria’s efforts to tackle regional disparities and promote inclusive growth.
