The Senate on Monday approved a N140 billion budget proposal for the North Central Development Commission (NCDC) for the 2026 financial year, urging the agency to prioritise agriculture and security in its spending.

Chairman of the Senate Committee on NCDC, Titus Zam, announced the approval after a closed-door budget defence session with the commission’s management.

“This is the resolution of the committee. We hereby approve the total figure of N140 billion for the 2026 financial year for the commission,” Zam told journalists. He said the committee found the proposed expenditures relevant to the needs of the North Central region.

The lawmaker said the commission had been directed to align its spending strictly with its mandate to ensure residents benefit and that public funds deliver measurable value.

According to him, key sectors identified for priority attention include agriculture, security, health, education, infrastructure and social services. He noted that agriculture must “take pride of place” given the region’s economic profile.

Zam added that the commission plans to collaborate with security experts and other stakeholders to support security agencies operating in the region.

However, he expressed dissatisfaction with the implementation of the capital component of the 2025 budget, describing it as inadequate. He noted that the challenge reflects broader national issues affecting budget execution.