Gbong Gwom Jos, Da Jacob Gyang Buba,
By CHRISTIANA LOT, Jos –
The Gbong Gwom Jos, Da Jacob Gyang Buba, has commended President Bola Tinubu for signing the North Central Development Commission (NCDC) bill into law, describing it as a crucial step in addressing the region’s developmental challenges.
Addressing newsmen in Jos, Plateau State, the traditional ruler acknowledged the collective efforts of North Central governors and members of the National Assembly in ensuring the bill’s passage, emphasizing that the commission must be managed with fairness and inclusivity.
He said, “The North Central Development Commission is a welcome development. Those of us in the North Central feel a sense of belonging. This commission has been set up in other geopolitical zones, and we want to extend our appreciation to Mr. President for signing the bill accordingly.
” We also sincerely appreciate the governors of the North Central for coming together to push for this, as well as the members of the National Assembly from this zone who have worked tirelessly to ensure the signing of the bill establishing this commission.”
“This commission is essentially another tier of government, taking into account the interests of the North Central. We appeal to everyone in the North Central to work together to ensure that the benefits of this commission are spread across the geopolitical zone”.
Beyond the commission’s establishment, he called on the federal government to prioritize infrastructure development, particularly the long-neglected Akwanga–Jos–Bauchi–Gombe road, which he noted has significantly hindered economic activities.
“This road has been a subject of discussion for too long, and we begin to wonder why there has been no action. Many people are forced to travel by air for a journey that should take 25 minutes by road, simply because the roads are in a deplorable state,” he lamented.
On insecurity, he highlighted the impact of banditry and kidnappings on food production, warning that the high cost of food across the country is directly linked to the inability of farmers to access their lands.
“The northern part of the country is known for agriculture, and most of the food consumed in Nigeria comes from this region. When the North East is not at peace, the North West is not at peace, and the North Central is under attack, it disrupts food supply. This has contributed to the rising prices of food because, as we know, when supply is disrupted, demand increases, and prices rise,” he said.
He also raised concerns about the growing insecurity in the region, linking it to disruptions in food production and the rising cost of food. According to him, continued attacks across the North Central, North East, and North West have severely impacted agricultural activities, leading to reduced supply and inflation.
On illegal mining, he warned that unregulated activities have not only contributed to insecurity but have also led to significant environmental degradation. He criticized the lack of enforcement of mining regulations and the encroachment on farmlands without community consultation, adding that some mining operations dangerously encroach on residential areas, posing risks to lives and property.
Speaking on child trafficking, he revealed that 19 young girls from Plateau State were recently rescued while being transported to Lagos. He called for stricter enforcement of anti-trafficking laws and emphasized the need for sustained efforts to keep children in school, warning that illegal mining sites have become hotspots for human trafficking.
The traditional ruler reiterated the urgent need for government intervention in security, infrastructure, and mining regulation to ensure sustainable development in the North Central region.
