By Abel Zwanke, Jos
The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the North Central Development Commission (NCDC), Dr. Cyril Yiltsen Tsenyil, has reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to partnering with private sector players to drive industrialisation, enhance food security, and strengthen the economy of the North Central region.
Dr. Tsenyil made this pledge on Thursday during a visit to Benybite Foods Nigeria Limited in Jos, Plateau State, as part of his engagement tour aimed at identifying areas of collaboration with manufacturers and investors across the region.
The NCDC chief, who was received by the Chief Executive Officer of Benybite Foods, Mr. Benjamin Ajibola Kayode-Ojo, lauded the company’s significant investment in food processing, describing it as a key catalyst for regional economic growth.
“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,” Dr. Tsenyil said.
He emphasized that the North Central region remains Nigeria’s food basket and highlighted the Commission’s plan to strengthen value addition through local processing of raw materials. “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.
Dr. Tsenyil disclosed that the NCDC recently held a policy review retreat in Lafia, Nasarawa State, where agriculture, food processing, and manufacturing were identified as strategic sectors requiring targeted intervention. He further noted that the Commission will continue to collaborate with the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) and other private sector stakeholders to promote industrial growth and diversify the regional economy.
“We will continue to engage and collaborate with MAN and private investors to expand industrial activities and foster sustainable development across the North Central region,” he assured.
In his remarks, Mr. Kayode-Ojo, who also serves as Chairman of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), North Central Zone, commended Dr. Tsenyil for his proactive leadership and congratulated him on his recent 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 focuses on food processing, which is critical to the North Central region. With NCDC’s support, we believe the challenges facing manufacturers—such as access to finance, infrastructure, and supply chain constraints—can be effectively addressed.”
Other dignitaries at the event included Sanusi Bashir Abuhuraira, Chief Investment Officer and Deputy Head of Operations at the Nigeria Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC), North Central Zonal Office; and Alhaji Aliyu Musa, Managing Director of Gixakx Group of Companies, Jos.
The visit underscored the NCDC’s renewed effort to foster industrial partnerships that can transform the North Central zone into a hub for food processing and agro-based manufacturing.
