North Central Nigeria targets industrial growth through new development plan

At the first North Central Stakeholders’ Development Summit in Abuja, officials and leaders discussed a 20-year economic infrastructure and social development plan aimed at transforming Nigeria’s North Central region into an industrial hub.

Minister Mohammed Idris highlighted President Bola Tinubu’s initiatives, including the Diamond New Energy lithium facility and various road projects such as the Buruku-Logo Bridge and the Makurdi-Gboko Road in Benue State. These projects are intended to connect agricultural areas to markets and reduce transportation costs. The Minister also emphasized the need for enhanced security through improved military and police capabilities to support economic stability.

Former Minister of Women Affairs Pauline Tallen called for an end to the direct export of unprocessed raw materials, urging leaders to focus on manufacturing and mineral processing. She stressed that the region—comprising Benue, Kogi, Kwara, Nasarawa, Niger, Plateau, and the Federal Capital Territory—possesses the natural wealth necessary for rapid industrial expansion. Tallen advocated for greater synergy between state governors, federal ministers, and the North Central Development Commission (NCDC) to ensure successful industrial execution.