N’ Central Unveils 20-Year Plan, Targets Regional Economic Transformation

The North Central Development Commission (NCDC) has unveiled a comprehensive 20-year development plan to transform the North Central region into a thriving economic hub. The North Central Development Plan 2027–2046 was presented at a two-day summit in Abuja, attended by 862 physical participants and 49 online attendees from various sectors, including the Federal Government, state governors, lawmakers, traditional leaders, development partners, private sector operators, academics, civil society groups, youth and women organizations.

The plan focuses on six states – Benue, Kogi, Kwara, Nasarawa, Niger and Plateau – as well as the FCT, recognizing the region's vast agricultural potential, mineral resources, water, human capital and strategic location. However, it has struggled to convert these advantages into consistent productivity, industrial capacity, incomes and social outcomes.

Key components of the plan include establishing a regional economic database, developing state-specific agricultural and livestock value chains, supporting micro, small and medium enterprises, enhancing infrastructure through integrated regional programmes, improving public services and security, expanding education and healthcare access, and promoting science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) training.

The summit emphasized that security should be treated as a form of productive infrastructure, as the lack of safety hinders the region's ability to thrive in various sectors.