Minister of Information and National Orientation Mohammed Idris has stated that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic reforms, infrastructure investments, and security initiatives are laying a solid foundation for accelerated growth across the North Central region.
Idris made the remarks in Abuja at the inaugural North Central Stakeholders’ Development Summit, organized by the North Central Development Commission (NCDC). The summit carried the theme, “The Great Leap Forward: A 20-Year Economic, Infrastructural and Social Development Plan for the North Central Region.”
Highlighting the region’s vast potential, the Minister noted that its agricultural land, solid minerals, and strategic location offer immense opportunities for industrialization and job creation.
He pointed to several ongoing federal infrastructure projects designed to link production centers with markets, including the Buruku-Logo Bridge and the Makurdi-Gboko Road in Benue State, alongside the Mararaba-Keffi expansion, Akwanga-Jos Superhighway corridor, Calabar-Abuja Superhighway, rehabilitated Gwada-Shiroro Road, and the approved completion of the 71-kilometer Minna-Suleja Road across Nasarawa and Niger States.
“These are not simply roads and bridges; they are economic infrastructure connecting farms to markets, reducing transportation costs and creating opportunities for trade and investment,” Idris said.
On industrialization, the Minister cited the recently commissioned $250 million Diamond New Energy lithium processing facility in Nasarawa State as proof of the administration’s policy to shift away from raw mineral extraction toward value addition. He added that federal interventions in mechanization, irrigation, and storage are positioning North Central as a premier agro-industrial hub.
Regarding security, Idris reported that President Tinubu is reinforcing the Armed Forces and Police through enhanced equipment, intelligence sharing, and targeted operations, pointing to the successful August rescue of 308 abducted citizens in Niger and Kwara states. He also endorsed the creation of a properly safeguarded State Police system to bring community policing closer to the grassroots.
Concluding his address, the Minister challenged the NCDC to ensure that the 20-year development plan yields tangible results, measuring success by safer communities, productive farms, and rising household prosperity.
