The Senate has described the Federal Government’s monthly allocation of N2.9 billion to the North Central Development Commission (NCDC) as grossly inadequate, warning that the funding falls far short of the commission’s N140 billion budgetary provision for 2026.

Chairman of the Senate Committee on the NCDC, Senator Titus Zam, made the observation on Tuesday while addressing journalists after an interactive session between the committee and the management of the commission.

According to him, the current monthly release, if sustained throughout the year, would amount to less than half of the commission’s approved budget, making it insufficient to deliver on its mandate.

He, however, expressed optimism that the allocation was only an interim arrangement and that additional releases would follow as the commission becomes fully operational.

“If you give a commission with a budget of N140 billion just N2.9 billion every month, at the end of 12 months it won’t amount to half of the approved budget.

“I believe this is only a temporary arrangement. We appreciate President Bola Tinubu and the executive for making funds available, but we expect more releases as the commission fully takes off,” Zam said.

Despite the funding constraints, the senator assured that the committee would closely monitor the utilisation of the available resources to ensure they are directed at critical sectors.

He urged the commission to prioritise agriculture, noting that the North Central region remains Nigeria’s food basket with vast arable land, favourable rainfall and enormous agricultural potential.

Zam also called on the commission to support ongoing efforts to tackle insecurity across the region by complementing the work of security agencies and state governments.

In addition, he stressed the need for greater investment in rural infrastructure and development, saying most communities in the North Central are rural and require improved access to basic amenities.