Who We Are

Catalyzing Growth in North Central Nigeria

The North Central Development Commission is a Federal Government agency established by the Act of 2024 to drive sustainable development across the six states of Nigeria’s North Central zone with a mandate to rebuild , empower and transform the region. The Commission is charged with formulating policies and guidelines for the development of the North –Central states specifically Benue , Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Kogi, Kwara, Nasarawa, Niger and Plateau.

Our Core Pillars

The guiding principles that drive our operations and ensure we deliver value to our stakeholders.

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Mission

To lead sustainable, multi-sectorial development by rebuilding communities, restoring livelihood and enabling opportunity through coordinate transparent, and people first governance.

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Vision

To be a catalyst for sustainable development and prosperity across the North Central region of Nigeria

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Core Values

  • Integrity & Transparency
  • Inclusive Growth
  • Innovation
  • Accountability

Our Journey

From the initial legislative proposal to a fully operational commission serving millions.

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2024

Legislative Bill Proposal

The bill for the establishment of the NCDC was introduced to the National Assembly to address regional disparities.

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2024

Commission Establishment Act

Presidential assent was granted, officially establishing the NCDC as a statutory body.

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2025

Inauguration of the Board

The first Governing Board and Executive Management team were inaugurated to steer the commission's affairs.

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2025 - Present

Operational Launch & Projects

Full-scale commencement of operations with the launch of the North Central Master Plan.

Leadership Team

Meet the dedicated individuals driving our vision forward.

Organization Structure

Chairman

Portrait of Barr. Cosmas Ternenge Akighir

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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MD

Portrait of Tsenyi Cyril Yiltsen

Dr. Tsenyil Cyril Yiltsen

Managing Director / CEO

CYRIL YILTSEN TSENYIL, PhD, Fcna, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer North Central Development Commission (NCDC) Dr. Cyril Yiltsen Tsenyil is a distinguished public finance expert, accomplished administrator, and development strategist with over three decades of experience in financial management, public sector administration, policy implementation, institutional reform, and strategic leadership. He is the pioneer Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the North Central Development Commission (NCDC), where he is leading efforts to establish a robust framework for sustainable development and economic transformation across the North Central region of Nigeria. A Fellow of the Association of National Accountants of Nigeria (FCNA), Fellow of the Institute of Management Consultants (IMC), Member of the Certified Public Accountants (CPA), Ireland, and Member of the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria (FRCN), Dr. Tsenyil possesses extensive expertise in public finance management, budgeting, accounting systems, revenue administration, regulatory compliance, and institutional governance. Before his appointment as Managing Director of the NCDC, he served with distinction as Accountant General of Plateau State, where he championed far-reaching reforms that transformed the State's financial management architecture. Under his leadership, Plateau State adopted digital financial systems that enhanced transparency, accountability, and efficiency in revenue generation, collection, and accounting processes. He also spearheaded the consolidation of government inflows into a Treasury Single Account framework, strengthened expenditure controls, and introduced innovative measures that significantly reduced financial leakages and improved fiscal discipline. His public service career spans several strategic positions, including Director of Finance and Supply in the Plateau State Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development; Head of Internal Audit; Principal Accountant, and Financial Manager. Throughout these roles, he demonstrated exceptional capacity in policy formulation, financial oversight, project management, institutional reforms, and stakeholder engagement. As the pioneer Chief Executive of the North Central Development Commission, Dr. Tsenyil is working with a dedicated Governing Board and Management to lay a solid foundation for the Commission's operational takeoff by establishing key governance, policy, and accountability structures. He has championed extensive stakeholder consultations across the six North Central states and the Federal Capital Territory, resulting in ongoing robust stakeholder engagement. A respected scholar and researcher, Dr. Tsenyil holds a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) from the prestigious University of Jos, a Master's Degree in Business Administration (MBA), and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Management Science. His academic contributions include published research on innovation, service delivery, and competitive advantage in business organizations. Over the years, his commitment to accountability, transparency, professionalism, and prudent financial management has earned him numerous awards and recognitions from professional bodies, academic institutions, and civil society organizations. These honours reflect his enduring dedication to excellence in public service and governance. Driven by a vision of inclusive growth and sustainable development, Dr. Cyril Yiltsen Tsenyil continues to provide transformational leadership at the North Central Development Commission, fostering strategic partnerships, mobilizing investments, and advancing initiatives aimed at improving infrastructure, economic opportunities, social welfare, and the overall quality of life of the people of North Central Nigeria. Dr. Cyril Yiltsen Tsenyil hails from Shendam Local Government Area of Plateau State and is happily married with children

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ED Projects

Portrait of Princess Atika Ajanah

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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ED Corporate

Portrait of Mr. Yakubu Danladi

James Abel Uloko

Corporate Services

Citation of James Abel Uloko, Executive Director, Corporate Services, North Central Development Commission (NCDC) James Abel Uloko is a distinguished public administrator, media strategist, and communications expert whose career spans over four decades of dedicated service in journalism, public affairs, governance, and strategic communication. A native of Benue State, he currently serves as the Executive Director, Corporate Services, of the North Central Development Commission (NCDC), where he provides strategic leadership in corporate administration and institutional development. Mr. Uloko holds a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) Degree in History and a Master of Public Administration (MPA). He has further enhanced his professional competence through specialized training, including a Certificate in Advanced Feature Writing from Media Training Ltd., London, United Kingdom; a Certificate in Partnership and Networking in Development from Johannesburg, South Africa; and a Certificate in Basic Information Technology from Abuja. His career has been marked by several distinguished appointments. He has served as Special Adviser to the Governor of Benue State on Information and Orientation, Director of Media and Public Affairs to the Governor, Senior Special Assistant on Media to the Executive Governor of Benue State, and Senior Special Assistant on Public Affairs to the President of the Senate at the National Assembly. He also played key roles as Director of Media and Publicity for the Benue State PDP Campaign Team during the 2011 General Elections and Assistant Director of Research and Documentation for the party's 2023 General Election Campaign Team. In addition, he has served as a Media and Public Relations Consultant and as a member of the Board of Directors of Radio Benue. Before his transition into public service, Mr. Uloko established himself as a respected journalist, serving as a Senior Staff Writer with Newswatch Magazine and as a News Reporter with Radio Plateau, Jos. His contributions to journalism earned him recognition for professionalism, integrity, and excellence in public communication. Widely regarded as a consummate professional, James Abel Uloko has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership, administrative acumen, and an unwavering commitment to public service. His appointment as Executive Director, Corporate Services, of the North Central Development Commission has been warmly welcomed by stakeholders across the region, who are confident that his vast experience and visionary leadership will contribute significantly to the Commission's mandate of driving sustainable development, strengthening institutional capacity, and improving the socio-economic well-being of the people of North Central Nigeria. Mr. Uloko, who is widely traveled, is married and has three children. 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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ED Admin

Portrait of Engr. Tunde Okafor

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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ED Finance

Portrait of Mr. Yakubu Danladi

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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ED Commercial

Portrait of Mr. Yakubu Danladi

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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Member

Rev. Bunmi Olusola

Rev. Bunmi Olusola

Member

Representing Kwara State

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Member

Dauda Shuaibu Kigbu

Dauda Shuaibu Kigbu

Member

Representing Nasarawa State

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Member

Engr. Atotse Abraham

Engr. Atotse Abraham

Member

Representing Benue

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Member

Alh. Sulaiman Buba Ali

Alh. Sulaiman Buba Ali

Member

Representing Kogi

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Member

Zakari Haliru Jikantoro

Zakari Haliru Jikantoro

Member

Representing Niger

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Member

Dr. Umar Ibrahim Mantu

Dr. Umar Ibrahim Mantu

Member

Representing Plateau

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Member

Engr. Dr. Atinuke Owolabi

Engr. Dr. Atinuke Owolabi

Member

Representing South -West

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Member

Hon. Abdulkadir S. Usman

Hon. Abdulkadir S. Usman

Member

Representing North -West

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Member

Hon. Racheal Kufre Nse

Hon. Racheal Kufre Nse

Member

Representing South -South

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Member

Engr Habu Mamman

Engr Habu Mamman

Member

Representing North-East

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Member

Chief Boniface Izziogu

Chief Boniface Izziogu

Member

Representing South-East

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Operational Departments

agricultureAgriculture & Water Resources
engineeringInfrastructure & Works
schoolEducation & Health
securitySecurity & Peace Building
paymentsFinance & Accounts
handshakePartnerships & Strategy