The North Central Development Commission (NCDC) has resolved to pursue a development agenda anchored on critical sectors that directly impact the lives of the people of the region.

This is contained in a communique signed by Cyril Tsenyil, managing director, and Cosmas Akighir, chairman of the commission, at the end of its two-day retreat on Wednesday in Lafia, Nasarawa State.

The retreat, which brought together key stakeholders, was organised in collaboration with the Strengthening Peace and Resilience in Nigeria (SPRiNG) programme, and funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).

Participants at the retreat included members of the National Assembly Committees on NCDC, ministers, board members, management of the Commission, development partners, and experts who deliberated on strengthening institutional governance, accountability systems, and sustainable development pathways for the region.

The communiqué observed that the North-Central region faced major developmental challenges, including insecurity, youth unemployment, underutilisation of agricultural and mineral resources, and poor infrastructure.

It noted that insecurity remained a major obstacle to socio-economic growth, as recurrent violent conflicts, armed banditry, and farmer-herder clashes continued to disrupt livelihoods, displace communities, and discourage investment.

Participants agreed on the urgent need to establish a coherent policy and institutional framework to drive inclusive growth and sustainable development through strong partnerships with state governments, private sector actors, civil society organisations, and development agencies.

The communiqué resolved that the NCDC would prioritise agricultural transformation as a key pillar of development through value chain enhancement, mechanisation, rural road development, and market access.

It also urged the commission to support agribusiness incubation centres and promote agro-industrial clusters across the states in the region.

On solid minerals, it resolved that the NCDC would collaborate with state governments and the federal ministry of solid minerals to ensure sustainable and responsible mining practices, develop community-based mining cooperatives, and strengthen local benefits.

The commission also planned to design empowerment programmes targeting youths, women, and persons with disabilities, while establishing a regional innovation hub to promote creativity, digital skills, and job creation, in order to address youth unemployment and social inclusion.

On insecurity, the communiqué said that the NCDC would work closely with traditional rulers, community leaders, and security agencies to promote peacebuilding, conflict prevention, and post-conflict rehabilitation initiatives.

It further stated that the Commission would deepen partnerships with local and international development organisations, private investors, and academia to mobilise resources and technical expertise for its programmes.

The board and management reaffirmed their commitment to transparency, accountability, and professionalism, with institutional mechanisms to ensure due process, monitoring, and evaluation of projects.

The communiqué appreciated the technical and strategic support of the SPRiNG programme and announced plans to develop a comprehensive strategic roadmap to guide NCDC’s interventions with clear priorities, timelines, and performance indicators.

Participants commended the board and management of NCDC and the SPRiNG programme for facilitating the retreat and pledged continued collaboration toward transforming the North-Central region into a hub of peace, prosperity, and inclusive growth.

(NAN)