Abuja: The Federal Government has charged the newly constituted Boards and Managing Directors of the South West, South-South, and North Central Development Commissions to ensure prudence in executing projects. The Minister of Regional Development, Abubakar Momoh, emphasized this directive at the inauguration of the boards and Managing Directors of the Commissions, underscoring the importance of aligning their efforts with national development goals.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Momoh highlighted that the establishment of these commissions aims to improve infrastructure, address regional disparities, promote economic growth, and enhance the quality of life for citizens. He stressed the need for improved security and ensuring that all projects are need-driven with stakeholder engagement as a priority.
Momoh stated, “It is now your duty to ensure that the commissions operate efficiently and deliver practical results to the people. It is crucial that the commissions align their programmes with the priority areas of the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda.”
In a similar vein, the Minister of State for the ministry, Uba Ahmadu, noted that the creation of these commissions is a strategic move by President Bola Tinubu to accelerate development across Nigeria’s geopolitical zones. Ahmadu emphasized the commissions’ role as catalysts for infrastructural renewal, social empowerment, and economic diversification.
“The mandate of these commissions is very clear – to act as catalysts for infrastructural renewal, social empowerment, and economic diversification with the people. They act as drivers of peace, stability, and sustainable development by tackling specific challenges, coordinating projects, and mobilising stakeholders towards shared progress,” Ahmadu said.
He urged board members to ensure the prudent use of resources, promote transparency, and align with the Renewed Hope Agenda. Ahmadu encouraged collaboration with governmental departments, agencies, governors, and partnerships with the private sector and development partners.
Additionally, the Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, emphasized the importance of women’s inclusiveness in program delivery, noting that women constitute over 50 percent of the population in the regions.
In his response, the Chairman of the South West Development Commission, Sen. Olubunmi Adetunmbi, expressed gratitude to the President for the opportunity to serve and pledged to collaborate with stakeholders to achieve desired outcomes.