The Nigerian Senate on Thursday, July 4, passed the North Central Development Commission (NCDC) bill.

The bill was passed after the Senate considered the report from its Committee on Special Duties, presented by its chairman, Senator Kaka Shehu.

Sponsored by Senator Abba Moro, who represents the Benue South Senatorial District, the bill saw widespread support, with all senators from the North Central region co-sponsoring it.

The bill was initially introduced in the Senate on October 5, 2023, and passed its second reading on February 21, 2024.

Senator Moro expressed gratitude for the bipartisan support and highlighted the urgent need for the commission to address the region’s developmental deficits.

The NCDC bill aims to replicate the successes of similar regional development commissions in addressing poverty, infrastructure gaps, and social challenges.

The bill now awaits concurrence from the House of Representatives and subsequent presidential assent to become law.