Tinubu Releases Funds for Regional Development Commissions

President Bola Tinubu has ordered the release of funds to Nigeria’s regional development commissions. He warned their boards and management to avoid corruption, waste, and projects that do not help the people.

Mr. Tinubu gave this order on Monday at the first North Central Stakeholders Development Summit. This event was organized by the North Central Development Commission (NCDC).

The president was represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume.

Mr. Tinubu stated that the federal government will keep giving political and financial support to the commissions. This support will help them carry out projects that will boost the economic and industrial growth of their areas.

“I direct the Secretary to the Government of the Federation to ensure that all funds due to the commissions are released as and when due,” he said.

But Mr. Akume urged the commissions to look for other ways to get money. He said they should not just rely on government funds.

He mentioned public-private partnerships, donor funding, and development financing as possible options, where allowed by law and government rules.

Mr. Tinubu explained that the regional development commissions are part of his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda. This agenda aims to speed up development and fix long-standing issues in the country.

He clarified that the commissions were not set up to take over or duplicate the roles of federal, state, or local governments. “Rather, it is our way of looking at why development gaps still exist and trying to close them up for the benefit of our people,” he said.

The president told the commissions to focus on projects that can unlock the economic potential of their regions. He also mentioned the need to improve national connectivity.

He highlighted infrastructure, industrialisation, investment, human capital development, education, health, and security as important areas needing attention.

Mr. Tinubu also cautioned the commissions against starting white elephant projects. “The era of white elephant projects is over, and there is no excuse for the commission to become another conduit for wasting public funds,” he said.

He instructed the Ministry of Regional Development to ensure that the commissions work within the approved regional policy framework. He also urged the National Assembly to provide proper oversight.

The president warned the boards and management of the commissions against corruption, marginalisation, politicisation, and ethnic discrimination in government work. “Such action will not be tolerated, and the government will not hesitate to sanction anyone found guilty,” he said.

North-central Development

Focusing on the North-central region, Mr. Tinubu said it has great potential in agriculture, food production, agro-processing, solid minerals, and industrial development. He said the region has not performed to its potential for too long.

He urged stakeholders at the summit to create a new direction for the region’s economic and social development. He also acknowledged the security issues in the region.

The president said the federal government has increased surveillance and intelligence gathering, set up new security formations, and boosted personnel.

He added that the government has strengthened the prosecution of criminals while also pursuing dialogue and reconciliation to restore peace.

Mr. Tinubu asked the NCDC to support the government’s peace and stabilization efforts. He stressed that development can only happen in a peaceful and secure environment.

The summit is discussing a proposed 20-year development plan called, “The Great Leap Forward: A 20-Year Economic, Infrastructural and Social Development Plan for the North Central Region.”

Mr. Tinubu described this plan as a chance for stakeholders to create a shared roadmap for the region. He urged participants to review the proposal and ensure it meets the needs of North-central residents and aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda.

“This Summit must not end as one of those talk-shops where ideas are ventilated, and reports are left to gather dust on shelves. The NCDC must lead by example and follow through to implementation,” he said.