Tinubu, Shettima to Lead North Central's 20-Year Development Blueprint Session

President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima are set to join North Central state governors and other key figures at an upcoming two-day summit. This gathering aims to formulate a comprehensive 20-year economic, infrastructural, and social development strategy for the region.

The inaugural North Central Stakeholders’ Development Summit is slated for September 14 and 15, 2026, at the Abuja Continental Hotel. The event, themed “The Great Leap Forward: A 20-Year Economic, Infrastructural and Social Development Plan for the North Central Region,” is being orchestrated by the North Central Development Commission (NCDC).

Dr. Makut Macham, Head of Media and Corporate Communications for the NCDC, announced on Friday that former Nigerian Heads of State, General Yakubu Gowon, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, and General Abdulsalami Abubakar, are also expected to participate. Macham highlighted that the summit would convene a diverse group of participants, including political leaders, government agencies, traditional rulers, technocrats, private sector representatives, youth and women’s groups, persons with disabilities, and development partners, all committed to deliberating on the region's development agenda.

“His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, is expected to grace the occasion as Distinguished Guest of Honour. His Excellency, Senator Kashim Shettima, GCON, Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, will serve as Special Guest,” Macham stated. Air Vice Marshal Mohammed Ndatsu Umaru (rtd.), former Military Governor of Kano and Kwara States, will chair the event. Engr. Abdullahi Sule, Governor of Nasarawa State and Chairman of the North Central Governors’ Forum, will act as the Chief Host, leading his counterparts from the six other North Central states and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.

Professor Iorwuese Hagher is scheduled to deliver the keynote address, initiating discussions on the imperative for a coordinated and sustainable long-term development strategy for the region.

Speaking ahead of the summit, Cosmas Akighir, Chairman of the NCDC, emphasised that the forum would serve as a crucial platform for stakeholders to dissect the region's development challenges and opportunities, thereby charting a clear path for its transformation. He added that the summit would unite various stakeholders from government, the private sector, development partners, academia, and civil society to forge a shared vision and an actionable framework for the sustainable progress of the North Central geopolitical zone.

Dr. Cyril Yiltsen Tsenyil, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the NCDC, explained that the summit was convened to galvanise strategic stakeholders, both within and outside the region, towards fulfilling the commission's mandate. Tsenyil further noted that the proposed development plan aims to align the region’s priorities with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda. He elaborated that this framework would also create avenues for partnerships, investments, and interventions designed to accelerate economic growth and elevate the quality of life for residents.

Suleiman Baba Ali, Chairman of the Summit Steering Committee, confirmed that the commission is collaborating with its technical partner, Phillips Consulting, to ensure the summit yields impactful results. “The opening ceremony will hold on Monday, 14th September 2026. Day two will feature panel discussions, technical sessions, breakout sessions, side meetings, and other strategic engagements designed to deepen conversations around the proposed 20-year development plan,” Ali stated. He concluded that the summit is anticipated to culminate in broad stakeholder consensus and concrete recommendations, laying the groundwork for a long-term development blueprint that will position the North Central region as a significant hub for economic growth, infrastructure, investment, innovation, and social development in Nigeria.