The management of the North-Central Development Commission has begun strategic engagements with heads of security agencies in Nasarawa to strengthen collaboration toward effective implementation of the commission’s mandate.

Cyril Tsenyil, the managing director and chief executive officer of the commission, led the management team on courtesy visits to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, the Nigeria Police Force and the State Security Service on Friday in Lafia.

Speaking at the NSCDC’s command, Mr Tsenyil said that the visit was to appreciate the support already extended to the newly established commission and to deepen collaboration with security agencies.

He commended the NSCDC for its role in maintaining peace and security in the state, noting that the progress recorded in Nasarawa was largely due to the commitment of security agencies.

The managing director said the NCDC’s core mandate was to drive massive development across the North Central region, which faces significant security challenges.

According to him, development cannot thrive without security, as peace remains a prerequisite for sustainable growth.

Mr Tsenyil identified the commission’s priority areas as mineral development, addressing mining-related insecurity, agriculture, the blue economy, infrastructure development, environmental and ecological challenges, and tourism and cultural promotion.

He maintained that tourism and leisure activities could not flourish without adequate security.

Brah Samson-Umoru, the NSCDC commandant in Nasarawa, described the visit as timely and reassuring, saying it would further strengthen collaboration between the corps and the commission.

Mr Samson-Umoru assured the NCDC of the corps’ full support, noting that the NSCDC’s grassroots-oriented operations align with the commission’s vision to develop critical infrastructure across the region.

At the police command in Nasarawa, the NCDC team was received by the commissioner of police, Shetima Mohammed, and members of the command’s management team.

Mr Tsenyil said the visit was to familiarise the commission with the command and to appreciate the existing synergy, while commending the police for working closely with the state government to improve security.

He added that the prevailing peace in the state would enable the commission to deliver on its mandate effectively.

The NCDC boss explained that the commission was established to complement, and not compete with, the efforts of state and local governments.

He said the commission’s focus was to address critical development gaps necessary to unlock the vast potential of the North-Central region.

In his remarks, Mr Mohammed  assured the NCDC management of the police’s readiness to collaborate and partner with the commission.

He advised the NCDC to integrate security considerations into its development plans to ensure sustainability.

The management team also visited the SSS office, where they were received by the state director, Usman Ibrahim Biu. Mr Tsenyil expressed appreciation to the SSS for its proactive support, which he said had helped the commission to commence operations seamlessly.

Mr Biu assured the commission of the SSS’s continued cooperation, noting that the North-Central region required deliberate efforts to enhance peace, security and development.

He added that the region was richly endowed with natural and human resources that must be properly harnessed for the benefit of its people.

(NAN)