Calls grow for Lafia to host North Central Development Commission

The push for Lafia, the capital of Nasarawa State, to be named the headquarters of the North Central Development Commission (NCDC) has gained momentum, with regional stakeholders emphasizing its strategic advantages.

Ambassador Abdul Usman Shuaibu, National Coordinator of the Progressive League of Youth Voters, has highlighted key reasons why Lafia stands out as the ideal location for the commission’s administrative base.

According to him, Lafia’s central positioning within the North Central region makes it a natural hub for regional development. Sharing borders with Benue, Kogi, Plateau, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), the city offers seamless connectivity and fosters collaboration among key stakeholders.

Beyond its location, Lafia is emerging as an economic powerhouse. The city has witnessed significant investment in agriculture, commerce, and solid minerals, with rich deposits of limestone, tin, and barite positioning it as a potential industrial hub. Infrastructure development, including an improved road network, stable power supply, and expanding telecommunication services, further enhances its viability for hosting the NCDC headquarters.

Another factor working in Lafia’s favor is its accessibility. The city sits along the Makurdi-Jos-Abuja highway, making it easily reachable from different parts of the North Central region. The newly developed Lafia Cargo Airport further strengthens its connectivity, providing air transport options crucial for administrative and business activities. Ongoing road expansion projects linking Lafia to major cities like Abuja and Jos further solidify its position as a regional nerve center.

Urbanization is also on the rise in Lafia, with modern infrastructure, improved housing, and expanding commercial ventures. The city is home to the Federal University of Lafia (FULafia) and other higher institutions, ensuring a steady supply of skilled professionals who can contribute to policymaking and research efforts within the commission.

In terms of security, Lafia has remained relatively stable compared to other cities in the region. The presence of military and paramilitary units, including the Nigerian Army and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), has helped maintain peace and order. The Nasarawa State Government has also taken proactive measures to curb communal clashes and criminal activities, making the city a safe choice for the commission’s headquarters.

With all these factors in place, stakeholders believe establishing the NCDC headquarters in Lafia will not only enhance regional integration but also drive economic transformation across North Central Nigeria. As the conversation around the commission’s location intensifies, all eyes are now on the federal government to make a decision that will shape the region’s development trajectory.