The Gbong Gwom Jos, Da Jacob Gyang Buba, has commended President Bola Tinubu for signing the North Central Development Commission (NCDC) bill into law, describing it as a significant step toward addressing the region’s developmental challenges.
Speaking to journalists in Jos, Plateau State, the traditional ruler acknowledged the role of North Central governors and federal lawmakers in pushing for the bill’s passage.
However, he emphasized that the commission must be managed with fairness and inclusivity to ensure its benefits reach all parts of the region.
He said, “The North Central Development Commission is a welcome development. Those of us in the North Central feel a sense of belonging. This commission has been set up in other geopolitical zones, and we appreciate Mr. President for signing the bill.
“We also commend the governors of the North Central for their unity in advocating for this and the members of the National Assembly from this zone who worked tirelessly to ensure the bill’s passage.
“This commission is essentially another tier of government, and we appeal to everyone in the North Central to work together to ensure that its benefits are spread across the region.”
Beyond the commission’s establishment, the Gbong Gwom Jos urged the federal government to prioritize infrastructure development, particularly the long-neglected Akwanga–Jos–Bauchi–Gombe road.
He noted that its poor condition has severely hindered economic activities. “This road has been a subject of discussion for too long, yet no action has been taken. Many people now travel by air for a journey that should take just 25 minutes by road because the roads are in a deplorable state,” he lamented.
Addressing insecurity, he warned that banditry and kidnappings have significantly affected food production, leading to rising food prices.
“The North is known for agriculture, and most of Nigeria’s food supply comes from this region. When the North East, North West, and North Central are under attack, farming is disrupted, supply drops, and prices soar,” he said.
He also raised concerns over illegal mining, linking unregulated activities to both insecurity and environmental degradation. He criticized the weak enforcement of mining regulations, noting that unchecked mining operations have encroached on farmlands and residential areas, posing risks to lives and property.
On child trafficking, he disclosed that 19 young girls from Plateau State were recently rescued while being transported to Lagos. He called for stricter enforcement of anti-trafficking laws and stressed the need for sustained efforts to keep children in school, warning that illegal mining sites have become recruitment hubs for traffickers.
The traditional ruler reiterated the urgent need for government intervention in security, infrastructure, and mining regulation to ensure sustainable development in the North Central region.
