Abuja:Regional development commissions in Nigeria are intended to partner with state and local governments to bridge existing development gaps, not to compete with them, according to Minister of State for Regional Development, Uba Ahmadu.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Ahmadu emphasized that the commissions are designed to support, rather than duplicate, the efforts of state and local governments. This approach involves engaging state governors to assess needs and prioritize projects, ensuring that local government needs are addressed through state governments.
The Federal Ministry of Regional Development was established in October 2024 by President Bola Tinubu to coordinate these commissions and formulate policies tailored to Nigeria’s diverse regional challenges. The ministry was created to address unique regional issues through coordinated interventions.
Ahmadu highlighted the origins of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and the North East Development Commission (NEDC), which were established to tackle environmental degradation and the effects of the Boko Haram insurgency, respectively. These commissions address specific regional challenges, with similar bodies set up for Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.
The minister noted that while each commission has distinct mandates, they all share the goal of promoting development and improving living conditions nationwide. For example, the South-East Development Commission focuses on industrialization and infrastructure, while the North-East addresses insurgency-related issues.
A policy document, developed after nationwide consultations, is set to guide the ministry’s activities and has been presented to the National Economic Council, chaired by Vice-President Kashim Shettima. It awaits approval from the Federal Executive Council.
Ahmadu reiterated that the commissions are meant to assist state governments in development efforts, aligning with President Tinubu’s commitment to grassroots development across Nigeria.