Abuja:Regional development commissions will work alongside state and local governments to bridge development gaps, According to Minister of State for Regional Development, Uba Ahmadu. He emphasized that these commissions are intended as partners, not rivals, to existing government structures.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Ahmadu assured that the commissions are meant to complement state and local efforts rather than duplicate them. The Federal Ministry of Regional Development, established by President Bola Tinubu in October 2024, will coordinate these commissions and develop policies for regional development.
The ministry addresses specific challenges facing different regions in Nigeria through tailored interventions. For instance, the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) was created in response to environmental issues from oil exploration, while the North East Development Commission (NEDC) focuses on the aftermath of the Boko Haram insurgency.
Additional commissions have been set up to meet the unique needs of Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones. The NDDC remains focused on the Niger Delta’s challenges, separate from the regional commissions. Despite varying mandates, all commissions aim to enhance development and living conditions nationwide.
The South-East Development Commission will focus on industrialization and infrastructure, addressing the region’s unique challenges such as erosion. The North-East will receive support to counter the lasting effects of insurgency, with other regions targeting their specific development goals.
The ministry has developed a policy document after nationwide consultations to identify regional needs, which has been submitted to the National Economic Council and awaits Federal Executive Council approval. This policy will guide the ministry and ensure regional interventions align with local needs.
Ahmadu reiterated that the commissions aim to support state governments, not infringe on their responsibilities, with the goal being grassroots development as part of President Tinubu’s social contract with Nigerians.