Federal Government Issues Stern Warning to Regional Commissions Over Project Abandonment
The Federal Government has delivered a firm directive to regional development commissions, cautioning them against initiating new projects until all existing ones are fully completed. This warning was issued by the Minister of Regional Development, Abubakar Momoh, during a significant sectoral retreat held in Benin City.
Addressing Critical Challenges in Regional Development
Minister Momoh highlighted several persistent issues plaguing the operations of regional development commissions, including duplication of efforts, uncompleted projects, and inter-agency rivalry. He stressed that these practices must cease immediately to ensure efficient and effective service delivery across the nation.
"One of the recurring challenges we face is duplication of efforts, uncompleted projects, and inter-agency rivalry. This has to stop," Momoh declared emphatically. "New projects must only commence when existing ones are substantially completed and assessed for impact."
Strategic Focus on Geo-Spatial Development
The minister reminded attendees that President Bola Tinubu's establishment of an additional development commission was not based on geopolitical considerations but rather on a strategic commitment to geo-spatial development. This approach recognizes the necessity for a multi-sectoral, area-based, and spatially targeted methodology to serve as a catalyst for regional economic and social transformation.
"This bold initiative is not anchored on geo-political considerations but on a strategic commitment to geo-spatial development," Momoh explained, "recognising the need for a multi-sectoral, area-based, and spatially targeted approach to serve as a catalyst for regional economic and social transformation."
Priority Areas for Regional Development Commissions
During the two-day retreat themed 'Fresh ideas to unlock the potential of the region,' Minister Momoh outlined specific priority areas that commissions must focus on:
- Roads, bridges, and transportation links
- Healthcare delivery systems
- Security infrastructure
- Digital infrastructure development
- Youth and women's empowerment programs
- Investment facilitation
The minister emphasized that all commissions must work toward the common national objective of achieving equitable and sustainable development that leaves no citizen behind.
Innovative Approaches and Future Plans
Beyond the immediate focus areas, Momoh urged commissions to explore establishing centers of excellence in healthcare delivery and other fields of human endeavor. He stressed the importance of decisive investment in both physical and digital critical infrastructure to ensure seamless connectivity and accessibility across and within regions.
The ministry plans to introduce a peer-review system among the commissions to foster healthy competition and continuous improvement. Momoh described the retreat as "not just another meeting but a significant milestone in reaffirming the shared responsibility to transform regions into zones of prosperity, peace, and opportunity."
The sectoral retreat brought together the ministry's leadership team, boards, and management of the seven regional development commissions, along with National Assembly members, creating a platform for collaborative planning and strategy development for regional transformation across Nigeria.
