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Governors and leaders of the ruling North Central APC in the region held a high-level zonal meeting on Saturday to discuss issues affecting the party’s growth and the region’s development priorities.
The meeting, held in Lafia, Nasarawa State’s capital, praised President Bola Tinubu for his effective handling of national issues, including reforms that the attendees believe will promote sustainable development.
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The leaders expressed strong support for establishing the North Central Development Commission (NCDC) to address regional challenges such as significant infrastructural deficits, banditry, other violent crimes, and recurring flooding, which hinder both subsistence and large-scale farming.
They also called for dredging the River Niger, reviving the Ajaokuta Steel Mill in Lokoja, respecting the rights of APC lawmakers in Plateau, and securing more prominent appointments for party loyalists from the region.
The meeting was well-attended by key figures from the region, including the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume; Governors AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq (Kwara), Engr. Sule Abdullahi (Nasarawa), Ahmed Usman Ododo (Kogi), and Hyacinth Alia (Benue).
Niger State Governor Mohammed Umar Bago was represented at the event, which also drew several Senators, House of Representatives members, Ministers, House of Assembly members, and senior party executives.
APC National Chairman Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, his predecessor Adamu Abdullahi, and National Secretary of the party Dr. Bashiru Ajibola were present to give solidarity messages.
The SGF commended the initiative to unite APC leaders for a common growth agenda, stating that President Tinubu values the party’s contributions in the region and will reward their loyalty.
He also mentioned that many infrastructural projects are planned for the region and that the President is addressing some imbalances observed in recent appointments. Major road projects, including Makurdi-Enugu, Akwanga-Jos, and Lokoja-South West, as well as projects within the Kwara area, will begin soon.
Governor Abdulrazaq, the Nigeria Governors Forum Chairman and APC Coordinating Governor for North Central, said the meeting aimed to thank members for their support, foster unity among stakeholders, and discuss human and infrastructural development issues affecting the region.
He also emphasized the importance of continued support for the President and the party, noting ongoing efforts to secure more appointments and significant projects for the region.
He announced the formation of two main committees from the meeting: one on reconciliation and another on project and policy formulation, both aimed at uniting the party and aligning government projects and policies with regional aspirations.
Governor Sule, the host, called for greater unity and collaboration among leaders to achieve collective goals of development, peace, and security in the region. He praised the impressive attendance at the meeting, which he said marks a new positive beginning for the party and the region.
Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State highlighted the region’s insecurity as a major concern, which hampers its potential as a hub of food production and mineral resources. He echoed calls for the NCDC and other interventions to help the region recover from challenges like the 2022 flooding that damaged crops, livestock, and displaced thousands.
Governor Ododo emphasized the need for synergy to address the region’s issues, stating that a safer North Central is crucial for a better Nigeria. He pointed out the region’s wealth in mineral resources and fertile land, stressing the importance of working together to benefit the people.
Dr. Ganduje noted that the meeting was a result of ongoing party reforms aimed at keeping the APC active year-round. He highlighted the establishment of the Progressive Institute to train leaders and members on key democratic principles and progressive policies. Meetings like this, he said, allow regional issues to be discussed and recommendations sent to different levels of the party.
Former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Wase called for unity in the region, citing the need for the NCDC and completion of all road projects under the tax credit scheme.
He also criticized the practice of forcing APC lawmakers in Plateau to sign their resignation letters before being sworn in, describing it as unacceptable and expressing gratitude to the Governors of Kwara and Nasarawa States and the party’s national chairman for their efforts. Wase concluded by calling for more appointments in the region.
