NCDC unveils 20 year blueprint for North Central at 2026 Summit

The North Central Development Commission (NCDC) set to convene its maiden North Central Stakeholders’ Development Summit from 14th to 15th September 2026 at the Abuja Continental Hotel, Abuja.

In a statement by the head, media and corporate communications of the Commission (NCDC) Dr. Makut Simon Macham, and made available to newsmen on Friday, in Lafia, he explained that the NCDC would also unveil a 20 year blueprint for the region.

He said it is expected to culminate in broad stakeholder consensus and concrete recommendations for the formulation and implementation of a long-term development blueprint.

“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 daily at 10:00 a.m., is themed: “The Great Leap Forward,”.

He said the it will bring together top political leaders, key government institutions, traditional rulers, technocrats, private sector players, 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 Distinguished Guest of Honour. His Excellency, Senator Kashim Shettima, GCON, Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, will serve as Special Guest.

The Summit will also be honoured 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 attend as Fathers of the Day.

Air Vice Marshal Mohammed Ndatsu Umaru (rtd.), former Military Governor of Kano and Kwara States, will serve as Chairman of the Occasion. His Excellency, Engr. Abdullahi Sule, Governor of Nasarawa State and Chairman of the North Central Governors’ Forum, will be the Chief Host. He will lead Governors of the six other 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 Summit’s central theme and the imperative for a long-term, coordinated, and sustainable development strategy for the region.

Speaking ahead of the Summit, the chairman of the NCDC, Barr. Cosmas Akighir, said the event would provide a strategic platform for stakeholders to collectively examine the development challenges and opportunities confronting the region, and to chart a new course for its holistic transformation.

Also speaking, the Managing Director/CEO of the NCDC, Dr. Cyril Yiltsen Tsenyil, stated that the summit was deliberately convened 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 would also provide an opportunity to align the development priorities of the region with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Administration.

Speaking further, the chairman of the Summit Steering Committee, Suleiman Baba Ali, disclosed that the commission is working closely with its Technical Partner, Phillips Consulting, to ensure a successful Summit that will produce meaningful outcomes and meet the aspirations of the people of the region.