NCDC will present a 20-year blueprint for the North Central region

The North Central Development Commission (NCDC) will convene its first North Central Stakeholder Development Summit from 14 to 15 September 2026 at the Abuja Continental Hotel, Abuja.

A statement by the head of the Media and Corporate Communications Commission (NCDC), Dr. Makut Simon Macham, made available to journalists on Friday, in Lafia.

He explained that the NCDC will also unveil a 20-year plan for the region which is expected to culminate in broad stakeholder consensus and concrete recommendations for the formulation and implementation of a long-term development plan.

“This will position the North Central region as a major hub for economic growth, infrastructure, investment, innovation and social development in Nigeria”

“A 20-year economic, infrastructural and social development plan for the north-central region”, the two-day summit, which begins at 10am each day, is themed: “The Great Leap Forward:

It said it will bring together top political leaders, key government institutions, traditional rulers, technocrats, private sector actors, youth and women groups, persons with disabilities, development partners and other critical stakeholders to deliberate on a comprehensive development agenda for the region.

“His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, is expected to grace the occasion as the Distinguished Guest of Honour. His Excellency, Senator Kashim Shettima, GCON, Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, will serve as the Special Guest.

The Summit will also be graced by the presence of former Heads of State and illustrious sons of the region: General Yakubu Gowon, GCFR; General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, GCFR; and General Abdulsalami Abubakar, GCFR, who are expected to participate as Fathers of the Day.

Air Vice Marshal Mohammed Ndatsu Umaru (rtd.), former military governor of Kano and Kwara states, will serve as the chairman of the occasion. His Excellency, Eng. Abdullahi Sule, Governor of Nasarawa State and Chairman of the North Central Governors Forum, will be the chief guest. He will lead the governors of the other six North Central States and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory to the summit.

The keynote address will be delivered by renowned academic, diplomat, politician and administrator, Prof. Iorwuese Hagher. He will lead discussions on the central theme of the Summit and the imperative of a sustainable, coordinated and long-term development strategy for the region.

Speaking before the summit, NCDC President Barr. Cosmas Akighir, said the event will provide a strategic platform for stakeholders to collectively examine the development challenges and opportunities facing the region and chart a new course for its holistic transformation.

Also speaking, NCDC Managing Director/CEO, Dr. Cyril Yiltsen Tsenyil, said the summit was convened deliberately to galvanize strategic stakeholders within the North Central region and beyond, in order to actualize the mandate of the commission.

Dr. Tsenyil explained that the Summit will also provide an opportunity to align the region’s development priorities with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Also speaking, the Chairman of the Summit Steering Committee, Suleiman Baba Ali, revealed that the commission is working closely with its technical partner, Phillips Consulting, to ensure a successful summit that produces significant results and meets the aspirations of the people of the region.