The North Central Development Commission (NCDC) has initiated discussions with the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ) towards forging a partnership for the implementation of key programmes within its mandate.
A management team of the Commission, led by the Executive Director, Finance, Prof. Mohammad Bashar Nuhu—who represented the Managing Director/CEO, Dr. Cyril Yiltsen Tsenyil—visited the GIZ office in Abuja for the engagement.
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Prof. Nuhu explained that the NCDC is laying the foundation for its operations and recognises the importance of establishing strategic collaborations with reputable development partners such as GIZ, which has a long-standing record of supporting development initiatives in Nigeria and beyond.
He noted that the Commission was established under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to accelerate development across the North Central region, with focus areas including agriculture, mineral development, infrastructure, power and renewable energy, peace and social cohesion, entrepreneurship, as well as youth and women empowerment.
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In their contributions, the Executive Director Corporate Services, James Uloko JP, Executive Director Projects, Princess Atika Ajanah; and Executive Director Commercial and Industrial Development, Hajiya Aisha Ibrahim, expressed optimism that a partnership with GIZ would help strengthen the Commission’s institutional capacity and support interventions aimed at creating jobs, boosting economic activities, and addressing security challenges in the region.
Welcoming the NCDC delegation to the Sustainable Economic Development Cluster (SEDEC) Centre, Kikelomo Collins Chibeze, Head of Component, Policy Strategy and Dialogue, described the establishment of the Commission as a timely initiative that holds huge potential for improving the lives of people in the North Central.
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She highlighted that GIZ is already implementing several programmes in Niger, Plateau, Nasarawa and the FCT in areas such as peace and security, entrepreneurship and sustainable economic growth, youth empowerment, and job creation.
Other members of the GIZ team also made presentations on thematic areas that could serve as entry points for collaboration, especially in upcoming projects.
The GIZ team expressed commitment to further engagements aimed at solidifying the emerging partnership.
