Abuja:The Minister of State for Regional Development, Uba Ahmadu, has emphasized that regional development commissions are allies, not rivals, to state and local governments, focusing on bridging development gaps.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Ahmadu addressed concerns about potential overlap in projects and responsibilities during an interview, highlighting that these commissions are meant to complement existing development initiatives. The ministry collaborates with state governors to assess needs and prioritize projects, while local government needs are managed through state governments.
The Federal Ministry of Regional Development was established in October 2024 by President Bola Tinubu to coordinate these commissions and formulate regional development policies. Ahmadu explained that this initiative aims to address the unique challenges of Nigeria’s various regions through targeted interventions. He cited the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and the North East Development Commission (NEDC) as examples of commissions addressing specific regional issues such as environmental damage and insurgency impacts.
Additional commissions have been created to meet the needs of Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, with the ministry overseeing their activities. Ahmadu clarified that the NDDC remains a distinct entity focused on the Niger Delta’s environmental challenges, separate from the other regional commissions.
Each commission has specific mandates, yet all share the goal of enhancing development and living conditions across Nigeria. For instance, the South-East Development Commission will focus on industrialization and infrastructure, while the North-East will address insurgency-related issues. Other regions will pursue development plans based on their unique circumstances.
The ministry has developed a policy document following national consultations to incorporate public input on regional development needs. This document has been submitted to the National Economic Council and awaits approval from the Federal Executive Council.
Ahmadu asserted that the ministry’s policy would guide the commissions’ coordination and ensure regional interventions align with local needs. He reiterated that the commissions are designed to support state governments, not replace their responsibilities, aiming to promote grassroots development in line with President Tinubu’s social contract with Nigerians.