President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has formally assigned portfolios to five executive directors of the North Central Development Commission (NCDC) board.
TJ News Nigeria reports that the announcement was made on Monday, September 15, 2025, in Abuja through a statement issued by Segun Imohiosen, spokesperson of the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF).
The president urged the appointees to work closely with the commission’s governing council to ensure sustainable development across the North Central geopolitical zone.
Background on the NCDC
The North Central Development Commission (NCDC) was established earlier in 2025 after President Tinubu signed the enabling bill into law.
- The commission was created to drive economic growth, infrastructure development, and social welfare across the six states in the region.
- Its creation followed years of agitation for equitable development, similar to other regional commissions across Nigeria.
- At the time, Senate President Godswill Akpabio said the signing of the NCDC bill was a demonstration of Tinubu’s commitment to grassroots development.
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The New Portfolios
The five executive directors appointed by President Tinubu have now been assigned their specific portfolios. According to the presidency, the details are as follows:
| S/N | Name | Portfolio |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hajiya Biliquis Jumoke | Administration and Human Resources |
| 2 | Aisha Rufai Ibrahim | Commercial and Industrial Development |
| 3 | James Abel Uloko | Corporate Services |
| 4 | Muhammad Bashar | Finance |
| 5 | Atika Ajanah | Projects |
President Tinubu called on the directors to align their work with the development agenda of the commission, stressing that the NCDC’s role is central to unlocking the region’s full potential.
Tinubu’s Broader Development Agenda
Since assuming office in May 2023, President Tinubu has:
- Signed laws establishing development commissions across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.
- Scrapped the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), replacing it with a broader, region-focused model aimed at ensuring fairness.
- Endorsed bills creating new federal institutions, including the Federal Polytechnic in Rano, Kano State and the Federal University of Health Sciences in Tsafe, Zamfara State.
The NCDC’s operationalisation marks another milestone in this regional development drive.
Political Reactions
While the appointments and assignments are seen as steps towards regional empowerment, critics of Tinubu’s economic policies remain vocal.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar recently accused the administration of failing to deliver meaningful reforms, arguing that ongoing policies are not alleviating hardship for Nigerians.
Atiku has consistently positioned himself as a challenger to Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general elections, criticizing the president’s handling of the economy.
Key Takeaways
- President Tinubu has assigned portfolios to five executive directors on the NCDC board.
- The directors will oversee administration, commercial development, corporate services, finance, and projects.
- The move follows the signing of the NCDC bill into law earlier in 2025.
- The commission is expected to coordinate and accelerate development across the North Central region.
