The North Central Development Commission (NCDC) will convene political leaders, businesses and other stakeholders in Abuja on September 14–15, 2026, to develop a long-term economic, infrastructure and social development framework aimed at repositioning the region as a major investment and growth hub.
The inaugural North Central Stakeholders’ Development Summit will take place at the Abuja Continental Hotel under the theme, “The Great Leap Forward: A 20-Year Economic, Infrastructural and Social Development Plan for the North Central Region.” The NCDC announced the summit in a statement issued by its Head of Media and Corporate Communications, Dr Makut Simon Macham, on September 4, 2026.
According to the NCDC, the summit will bring together government institutions, traditional rulers, technocrats, private-sector operators, development partners, academics, civil society groups, youth and women organisations, persons with disabilities and other stakeholders to deliberate on the region’s development priorities.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is expected to attend as Distinguished Guest of Honour, while Vice President Kashim Shettima is expected to serve as Special Guest. Former Heads of State Generals Yakubu Gowon, Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida and Abdulsalami Abubakar are also expected to attend as Fathers of the Day, the NCDC said.
Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule, chairman of the North Central Governors’ Forum, will serve as Chief Host. The governors of the other North Central states and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory are also expected to participate. Air Vice Marshal Mohammed Ndatsu Umaru (retd.) is scheduled to chair the occasion, while Professor Iorwuese Hagher will deliver the keynote address.
NCDC Chairman Cosmas Akighir said the summit would provide a platform for stakeholders to assess the region’s challenges and opportunities and develop a shared vision and actionable framework for sustainable development. New Telegraph reported the commission’s position on September 4, 2026.
The commission’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Cyril Yiltsen Tsenyil, said the summit would help align North Central development priorities with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda while creating a broader framework for partnerships, investment and development interventions.
The summit is expected to culminate in stakeholder consensus and concrete recommendations that will guide the formulation and implementation of the proposed 20-year blueprint, according to the NCDC statement reported on September 4.
The initiative could provide a longer-term framework for addressing infrastructure gaps, improving regional connectivity, attracting private investment and supporting economic and social development. Its ultimate impact, however, will depend on whether the proposed priorities translate into funded projects, measurable targets and sustained implementation beyond individual administrations.
