By Milcah Tanimu
In a high-level meeting held in Lafia, Nasarawa State, the North Central zone of the All Progressives Congress (APC) focused on the region’s security and infrastructure issues. Governors and party leaders praised President Bola Tinubu for his effective handling of national matters and reforms that promise sustainable development. They called for the establishment of the North Central Development Commission (NCDC) to address the region’s significant infrastructural deficits, banditry, and violent crimes, which hamper both subsistence and large-scale farming. The recurring floods also need urgent attention.
Key proposals from the meeting included the dredging of the River Niger, resuscitating the Ajaokuta Steel Mill, ensuring the rights of APC lawmakers in Plateau, and securing more high-level federal appointments for the region. Attendees included the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, and Governors AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq (Kwara), Sule Abdullahi (Nasarawa), Ahmed Usman Ododo (Kogi), and Hyacinth Alia (Benue), among others. APC National Chairman Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje and other senior party officials also participated.
Senator George Akume reaffirmed President Tinubu’s commitment to the region, mentioning several infrastructural projects in the pipeline. Governor Abdulrazaq, also the Nigeria Governors Forum Chairman, emphasized unity among stakeholders to achieve human and infrastructural development. He announced the creation of two main committees focused on reconciliation and project formulation.
Governor Sule stressed the need for collaboration to achieve development, while Governor Alia highlighted insecurity as a critical issue affecting the region’s potential in food production and mineral resources. Governor Ododo emphasized the importance of regional synergy for addressing these challenges, calling for collective efforts to make the region’s resources work effectively.
Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje discussed ongoing APC reforms, including the establishment of the Progressive Institute for training members on democratic principles and policy-making. Former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Wase, stressed the need for the North Central to catch up on infrastructural projects, highlighting the incomplete road to Baro Port.
The North Central APC leaders agreed on the necessity of the NCDC to address the region’s unique challenges and called for fair treatment of APC lawmakers in Plateau, along with more significant federal appointments. The meeting marked a positive step towards unified efforts for the region’s development and stability.
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