President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has convened a crucial meeting with the Minister of Regional Development and leaders of seven development commissions at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, signaling a renewed push to address Nigeria's security challenges and infrastructure deficits.
Strengthening Regional Collaboration
The high-level meeting, held on Monday, focused on deepening cooperation between federal agencies and state governments to combat insecurity while improving critical infrastructure across the country's geopolitical zones. Minister of Regional Development Abubakar Momoh addressed State House Correspondents after the session, emphasizing the commissions' complementary role in supporting both federal and state initiatives.
"The commissions will work side by side with state governments to address insecurity in their regions. It is part of their core mandate," Momoh stated. He clarified that while the commissions aren't chief executives of their respective regions, they possess clear mandates to bolster government efforts at all levels.
Infrastructure Development and Funding Challenges
The Minister highlighted ongoing collaborative projects, including repairs on a 10-kilometer section of the Benin-Warri Road in Delta State and improvements to the Sapele-Ogorode corridor in Edo State. He attributed the poor condition of many federal roads to prolonged maintenance neglect, noting that the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) had not been fully functional for eight to ten years.
Momoh revealed that development commissions have adopted a comprehensive four-phase master plan for regional economic development. The strategy begins with security focus, moves to sustainability, and currently emphasizes infrastructure development to expand market access and drive community renewal.
Addressing funding delays for newly established commissions, Momoh confirmed this was a key discussion point with President Tinubu. "It is part of my address, and that is one of the reasons we met with Mr. President. And that issue is being looked into properly," he assured.
Commission-Specific Progress Reports
Barrister Cosmas Akighir, Chairman of the North Central Development Commission (NCDC) board, disclosed that his commission faces significant challenges due to delayed funding. The NCDC awaits the release of its N140 billion initial annual budget, despite having developed detailed project roadmaps and engaged consultants across multiple sectors.
Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), reported substantial progress in the oil-rich region. He credited the prevailing peace to community-driven development approaches based on thorough needs assessments and stakeholder engagement. "You will hardly find any Niger Delta community without an ongoing project," Ogbuku declared.
The NDDC's Operation Light Up the Niger Delta initiative has significantly improved security by illuminating previously dark communities that were vulnerable to criminal activities. Ogbuku emphasized the commission's participatory approach to project selection, involving state governments, youth groups, and traditional rulers.
From the North East Development Commission (NEDC), Managing Director Mohammad Goni Alkali reported impressive infrastructure gains in areas recovering from insurgency. The commission is constructing approximately four major bridges and nearly 80 roads, including 48 kilometers of newly opened roads in the Jere-Borno axis that have reduced travel time across the region to about 40 minutes.
The meeting underscores the Federal Government's commitment to coordinated regional development and peacebuilding efforts nationwide, with President Tinubu demonstrating personal involvement in resolving implementation challenges.
