FCT stakeholders urge review of NCDC board nomination

The FCT Stakeholders Assembly (FSA) has expressed concern over the nomination of a non-indigene, Mr Solomon Adodo, to represent the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on the proposed board of the North Central Development Commission (NCDC).

In a statement made available to journalists and signed by the Assembly’s President, Dr Aliyu Daniel Kwali, the group described the nomination as a misrepresentation of the FCT and called for a review in the interest of fairness and inclusivity.

“Our attention has been drawn to the list currently before the National Assembly for confirmation of nominees for the positions of Chairman, Executive Directors, and Members of the North Central Development Commission. Out of 19 names on the list, only one seat was allocated to the FCT,” the statement read.

Dr Kwali noted that the nominee for the FCT seat, Mr Adodo, is from Benue State, which already received three nominations, including the Chairmanship of the Commission. He urged the relevant authorities to uphold the principles of equitable representation.

“If the list is confirmed in its current form, the FCT may not have adequate representation in the Commission. We respectfully request that, by Part 1, Section 2(2)(a) of the North Central Development Commission (Establishment) Act, 2024, a qualified indigene of the FCT be considered for the position of Executive Director allocated to the Territory,” he said.

According to the FSA, Benue State has three nominees on the list, while Plateau and Kogi States each have two. Nasarawa, Kwara, and Niger States each received one nomination. In each case, the nominees are reportedly indigenes of their respective states.

The Assembly emphasised the importance of inclusive governance and equitable participation of all constituent parts of the North Central region in national development initiatives.

Niyi Lawal