NCDC to Partner Private Sectors to Boost Industrialisation, Food Security 

From Abel Zwanke

The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the North Central Development Commission (NCDC), Cyril Yiltsen Tsenyil, has pledged the Commission’s commitment to working closely with the private sector to drive industrialisation and strengthen the economy of the North Central region.

Tsenyil gave the assurance on Saturday when he visited Benybite Foods Nigeria Limited in Jos, Plateau State, as part of his engagement tour to explore areas of collaboration with manufacturers and private investors in the region.

The NCDC boss, who was received by the Chief Executive Officer of Benybite Foods, Mr. Benjamin Ajibola Kayode-Ojo, expressed satisfaction with the level of investment made by the company in food processing, describing it as a vital driver of regional development.

“I am impressed by the scale of investment here. This is a multi-billion naira facility that is not only creating jobs but also adding value to agricultural produce within the region,” Tsenyil said.

“The North Central region remains the food basket of the nation. The Commission is committed to partnering with industries like this to ensure that raw materials cultivated within the zone are processed locally to boost the economy and reduce waste,” he added.

The NCDC helmsman further disclosed that the Commission recently held a policy review retreat in Lafia, Nasarawa State, where agriculture, food processing, and manufacturing were identified as top priorities requiring strategic intervention.

“We will continue to engage and collaborate with the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) and other private sector stakeholders to promote industrial growth and economic diversification across the region,” Tsenyil assured.

In his response, Mr. Kayode-Ojo, who is also the Chairman of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) North Central Zone, commended Dr. Tsenyil for the visit and congratulated him on his appointment.

“Your visit today is a strong signal that the Commission is ready to work hand-in-hand with the private sector,” Kayode-Ojo stated.

“Our company is focused on food processing, which is critical to the North Central region. We believe that with NCDC’s support, the challenges facing the manufacturing sector—such as access to finance, infrastructure, and supply chain issues—can be better addressed,” he said.

Other dignitaries present during the visit included Sanusi Bashir Abuhuraira, Chief Investment Officer and Deputy Head of Operations, Nigeria Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC) North Central Zonal Office, and Alhaji Aliyu Musa, Managing Director, Gixakx Group of Companies, Jos.