Tinubu, Shettima, others to chart 20-year North Central development plan

President Bola Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima and governors of the North Central states are expected to join other stakeholders at a two-day summit aimed at producing a 20-year economic, infrastructural and social development plan for the region.

The maiden North Central Stakeholders’ Development Summit is scheduled to hold on September 14 and 15, 2026, at the Abuja Continental Hotel, Abuja.

The summit, themed, “The Great Leap Forward: A 20-Year Economic, Infrastructural and Social Development Plan for the North Central Region,” is being organised by the North Central Development Commission.

A statement issued on Friday by the Head of Media and Corporate Communications of the commission, Dr Makut Macham, said former Heads of State, Yakubu Gowon, Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida and Abdulsalami Abubakar, were also expected at the summit.

Macham said the gathering would bring together political leaders, government institutions, traditional rulers, technocrats, private sector players, youth and women groups, persons with disabilities, development partners and other stakeholders to deliberate on a development agenda for the region.

He said, “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.

“Air Vice Marshal Mohammed Ndatsu Umaru (rtd.), former Military Governor of Kano and Kwara States, will serve as Chairman of the Occasion. His Excellency, Engr. Abdullahi Sule, Governor of Nasarawa State and Chairman of the North Central Governors’ Forum, will be the Chief Host. He will lead Governors of the six other North Central States and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory to the Summit.”

Macham added that the keynote address would be delivered by Prof. Iorwuese Hagher, who would lead discussions on the need for a coordinated and sustainable long-term development strategy for the region.

Speaking ahead of the summit, the Chairman of the NCDC, Cosmas Akighir, said the gathering would provide a platform for stakeholders to examine development challenges and opportunities confronting the region and chart a course for its transformation.

According to him, the summit would bring together stakeholders from government, the private sector, development partners, academia and civil society to develop a shared vision and actionable framework for the sustainable development of the North Central geopolitical zone.

The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the NCDC, Dr Cyril Yiltsen Tsenyil, said the summit was convened to mobilise strategic stakeholders within and outside the region towards achieving the mandate of the commission.

Tsenyil added that the proposed development plan would seek to align the region’s priorities with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

He said the framework would also create opportunities for partnerships, investments and interventions aimed at accelerating economic growth and improving the quality of life of residents.

The Chairman of the Summit Steering Committee, Suleiman Baba Ali, said the commission was working with its technical partner, Phillips Consulting, to ensure the summit produced meaningful outcomes.

He said, “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.

“The Summit is expected to culminate in broad stakeholder consensus and concrete recommendations for the formulation and implementation of a long-term development blueprint. This will position the North Central region as a major hub for economic growth, infrastructure, investment, innovation, and social development in Nigeria.”