From Rashidat Suleiman ,Minna
Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, has urged the North Central Development Commission (NCDC) to prioritise tackling insecurity and communal conflicts, particularly the recurring farmer herder clashes across the region.
Governor Bago made the call on Wednesday while receiving the management of the Commission, led by its Governing Board Chairman, Barrister Cosmas Akighir, at the Government House in Minna.
The Governor commended the Commission for its efforts since its establishment and stressed the need to focus on addressing the security challenges confronting the North Central region. He also advocated a meeting of governors from the North Central states to provide a platform for charting a common developmental agenda and strengthening collaboration with the Commission.
According to him, such a meeting would enable the Commission to better understand and respond to the unique developmental challenges facing the region.
Governor Bago further called on the Commission to pay special attention to the effects of climate change in Niger State, noting that the annual overflow from the state’s four hydroelectric dams has continued to devastate communities, destroy farmlands and displace residents.
He explained that the persistent environmental and economic losses resulting from the dam overflows informed the state’s demand for a 13 per cent derivation from the Federal Government, considering that Niger State hosts the four hydroelectric dams that generate electricity for the country.
The Governor also urged the Commission to make substantial investments in agriculture and education, describing both sectors as critical drivers of economic growth and sustainable development.
He assured the Commission of the Niger State Government’s commitment to supporting its operations by providing a liaison office and other necessary logistics to facilitate its activities in the state.
Earlier, the Managing Director of the North Central Development Commission, Mr. Cyril Tsenyil, said the Commission was committed to fostering a strong partnership with Niger State in line with its enabling Act, which mandates it to plan and implement programmes for the sustainable development of the North Central region.
He said the Commission’s intervention would cover key sectors, including transportation, road infrastructure, healthcare, education, agriculture, industrialisation, water supply, electricity and telecommunications.
Mr. Tsenyil also assured the Governor of the Commission’s readiness to collaborate with the Niger State Government in addressing insecurity and other developmental challenges facing the state.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Commission’s Governing Board, Barrister Cosmas Akighir, said the visit formed part of the Commission’s tour of member states to formally introduce its leadership and identify areas of partnership.
He commended Governor Bago for his developmental strides, particularly in agriculture, infrastructure and governance, expressing confidence that the partnership between the Commission and Niger State would accelerate development across the state and the North Central region.