President Bola Tinubu has directed the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, to ensure that funds approved for Nigeria’s regional development commissions are released as and when due.
The President gave the directive on Monday during the North Central Development Commission (NCDC) Summit, held under the theme, “The Great Leap Forward: A 20-Year Economic Infrastructure and Social Development Plan for the North Central Region.”
Representing Tinubu at the event, Akume said the establishment of regional development commissions was part of the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda aimed at accelerating development across the country.
He stated that the Federal Government would continue to provide the commissions with the necessary political and financial support to implement projects capable of unlocking economic and industrial opportunities.
Tinubu also urged the commissions to look beyond government allocations by seeking alternative sources of funding, including public-private partnerships, donor support and development financing.
According to him, the commissions are expected to undertake strategic projects covering transportation, industrial development, security, investment, human capital development, education and healthcare.
The President further warned the boards and management of the commissions against corruption, political interference, marginalisation and the misuse of public resources.
He stressed that anyone found guilty of such conduct would face appropriate sanctions.
Tinubu clarified that the regional development commissions were created to complement, rather than replace or duplicate, the responsibilities of state and local governments as well as existing federal agencies.
He also charged the North Central Development Commission to support initiatives aimed at tackling insecurity in the region, noting that meaningful economic development could not thrive without a stable environment.
North Central Governors Seek Greater Value From Local Resources
Meanwhile, Nasarawa State Governor and Chairman of the North Central Governors’ Forum, Abdullahi Sule, said the region had sufficient human and natural resources to become a major driver of Nigeria’s economic growth.
Sule called for increased processing of the region’s agricultural and mineral resources within the area rather than exporting raw materials without adding value.
He pointed to developments in the mining sector, including lithium processing plants in Nasarawa State, as examples of the economic opportunities available to the region.
The governor maintained that the North Central region had the resources to support agriculture, mining and industrialisation but needed effective leadership, long-term planning and strong implementation.
Earlier, the Chief Executive Officer of the North Central Development Commission, Cyril Tsenyil, explained that the commission would focus on coordinating regional development, mobilising resources and building partnerships.
He said the commission’s 20-year development plan would prioritise regional economic corridors, agricultural and mineral processing, infrastructure development and opportunities for young people.
Tsenyil added that the region’s ambition should go beyond being recognised as Nigeria’s agricultural hub and instead position it as one of Africa’s most competitive agricultural regions.
Source: PM Parrot
