Chairman
Barr. Cosmas Ternenge Akighir
Chairman
Barrister Cosmas Ternenge Akighir is a distinguished Nigerian legal practitioner and the pioneer Board Chairman of the North Central Development Commission (NCDC), a position to which he was confirmed by the Nigerian Senate in June 2025. Barr. Akighir possesses outstanding academic and professional credentials, reflecting a career defined by excellence and versatility. With over two decades of multifaceted experience, he has built a remarkable reputation as a legal practitioner, risk management specialist, agribusiness expert, and chartered forensic professional. His professional journey spans legal practice, credit risk management, forensic investigation, agribusiness consultancy, and arbitration. Over the years, he has played key roles in legal recovery processes, forensic audits, policy development, and institutional reforms across both government agencies and private sector organizations. His rare ability to bridge law, finance, and development has enabled him to contribute meaningfully to governance, economic planning, and accountability systems. As the pioneer Chairman of the North Central Development Commission, Barr. Akighir is uniquely positioned to deploy his wealth of experience and strategic insight to drive sustainable development initiatives, strengthen institutional collaboration, and promote inclusive economic growth across Nigeria’s North Central region.
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Dr. Tsenyil Cyril Yiltsen
Managing Director / CEO
Dr. Tsenyil Cyril Yiltsen serves as the pioneer Managing Director of the North Central Development Commission (NCDC). Renowned for his diligence, humility, and integrity, Dr. Yeltsin is a God-fearing technocrat with extensive expertise in human capacity development and community advancement. He brings a wealth of experience as both a financial expert and human capacity builder, poised to design and implement a practical, results-driven blueprint aimed at enhancing the economic welfare and overall well-being of the people across the six states of Nigeria’s North Central geo-political zone—the core mandate of the NCDC. Under his leadership, the Commission is set to achieve accelerated progress in critical areas, including infrastructure development and human capacity strengthening, ensuring sustainable growth and improved quality of life for the region’s communities.
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Princess Atika Ajanah
Projects
Princess Atika Ajanah is a prominent Nigerian public figure renowned for her expertise in information technology and public relations. Hailing from Kogi State, she is married to Aliyu Ajanah, and they are blessed with four children.
With over fifteen years of professional experience, she has distinguished herself as a certified public speaker and communication expert, earning recognition for her dynamic presence and strategic engagement skills.
In her previous role as Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Social Events, she recorded several notable milestones, including pioneering the first drone show in Africa—an achievement that underscored her creativity and innovative approach to public engagement.
A media sensation and accomplished administrator, Princess Atika Ajanah has now been appointed Executive Director, Projects, of the newly established North Central Development Commission (NCDC), where she is expected to bring innovation, visibility, and strategic direction to project implementation across the region.
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James Abel Uloko
Corporate Services
James Abel Uloko, the Executive Director of Corporate Services at the North Central Development Commission (NCDC), hails from Benue State and is widely recognized as a seasoned professional with a proven track record of excellence and results-driven leadership. His appointment has been met with widespread commendation and optimism, as stakeholders express strong confidence in his capacity to deploy his vast experience toward advancing the Commission’s mandate.
A distinguished media mogul with extensive professional and managerial experience, Uloko brings a unique blend of strategic communication expertise and administrative competence to the role. He is well-positioned to drive institutional growth, strengthen internal systems, and enhance operational efficiency within the Commission. With his wealth of knowledge and forward-thinking approach, he is expected to play a pivotal role in deepening the impact of the NCDC, fostering innovation, and ensuring the effective delivery of its development objectives across the North Central region.
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Hajia Biliqis Jumoke Sanni
Admin & Human Resources
Hajia Bilqis Jumoke Sanni Executive Director Admin & Human Resources , from Kwara State has public service career spans nearly three decades, marked by her occupancy of several strategic leadership positions.
She is widely recognized as a dedicated grassroots mobilizer, a generous philanthropist, and a strong advocate for sustainable development.She is also admired for her ability to effectively balance the demands of public service with a deep commitment to her faith and family life.
Her appointment to the NCDC Board is seen as a clear reflection of her integrity, steadfast dedication, and the trust she has earned over the years.
As Executive Director of the NCDC, Hajia Bilqis Jumoke Sanni is poised to play a crucial role in advancing development initiatives, addressing security concerns, and improving infrastructure and social welfare across the North Central geopolitical zone.
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Prof. Muhammad Bashar Nuhu
Finance
Professor Muhammad Bashar Nuhu, Executive Director (Finance) at the North Central Development Commission (NCDC), from Niger State is widely regarded as a man of rare integrity, with remarkable achievements in leadership, mentorship, and education—qualities that are both symbolic and deeply inspiring.
He has earned widespread recognition for his unwavering commitment to the growth and development of Niger State, standing out as a patriotic, resourceful leader, a trailblazer, and a dedicated grassroots mobilizer.
Rooted in strong principles and refined in culture, Prof. Nuhu is an expert in feasibility and viability appraisals, investment analysis, housing studies, land policies, Land Information Systems (LIS), urban policy, and urban infrastructure management. His expertise also extends to resettlement and compensation matters, as well as community development initiatives and the financing and management of local infrastructure projects.
Notably, he was the only Nigerian selected and sponsored to participate in the Joint Seminar of the International Federation of Surveyors (FIG) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations in Verona, Italy, where he presented Nigeria’s land policy country report in 2007.
His appointment to the NCDC has been widely described as a significant boost to regional development in the North Central zone and Nigeria at large.
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Hajia Aisha Rufai Ibrahim
Commercial and Industrial Development
Hajiya Aishatu Rufai Ibrahim,Executive Director Commercial and Industrial Development. from Nasarawa State is a highly respected technocrat and seasoned public administrator. She has built a strong reputation not only for her competence and dedication but also as a symbol of humility, sacrifice, commitment, and resilience. Her appointment signals a new phase in the development trajectory of Nigeria’s North Central region, with expectations of strategic leadership and impactful governance.
Over the years, she has served under different administrations in various capacities, including as Commissioner in key ministries such as Agriculture and Women Affairs, as well as Special Adviser in multiple roles. Her appointment to the Commission brings with it a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of the unique challenges facing the North Central states.
Renowned for her transparent leadership style and strong community engagement, Hajiya Aishatu Rufai Ibrahim is expected to bring renewed vigor to the Commission’s activities. Observers believe her tenure could mark a turning point, with increased focus on critical sectors such as agriculture, education, and infrastructure—key drivers of sustainable economic growth and poverty reduction across the region.
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Rev. Bunmi Olusola
Member
Representing Kwara State
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Dauda Shuaibu Kigbu
Member
Representing Nasarawa State
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Engr. Atotse Abraham
Member
Representing Benue
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Alh. Sulaiman Buba Ali
Member
Representing Kogi
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Zakari Haliru Jikantoro
Member
Representing Niger
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Dr. Umar Ibrahim Mantu
Member
Representing Plateau
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Solomon Adodo
Member
Representing FCT
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Engr. Dr. Atinuke Owolabi
Member
Representing South -West
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Hon. Abdulkadir S. Usman
Member
Representing North -West
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Hon. Racheal Kufre Nse
Member
Representing South -South
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Engr Habu Mamman
Member
Representing North-East
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Chief Boniface Izziogu
Member
Representing South-East
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