FG tasks regional commissions with coordination, project completion

The Minister of Regional Development, Abubakar Momoh, on Thursday warned regional development commissions to complete ongoing projects before embarking on new ones.

He also cautioned against duplication of efforts and inter-agency rivalry, stressing that such practices must end.

The minister gave the warning in Benin, Edo State, at the opening of a two-day sectoral retreat for the leadership of the ministry, boards and management of the seven regional development commissions, and members of the National Assembly. The retreat was themed, “Fresh ideas to unlock the potential of the region.”

Reminding the heads of the commissions of the rationale behind their establishment by President Bola Tinubu, Momoh said the initiative was anchored on a strategic commitment to geo-spatial development, with a focus on a multi-sectoral, area-based and spatially targeted approach to drive regional economic and social transformation.

He said: “One of the recurring challenges we face is duplication of efforts, uncompleted projects, and inter-agency rivalry.

“This has to stop. New projects must only commence when existing ones are substantially completed and assessed for impact.

“I will also admonish the regional development commissions to ensure they complete a project before embarking on another.”

The minister urged the commissions to prioritise roads, bridges, transportation links, investment, healthcare delivery, security, digital infrastructure, and youth and women empowerment.

He added that they should align their efforts with the national objective of achieving equitable and sustainable development.

He said, “Beyond the focus areas, the commissions must also look into the possibility of establishing centres of excellence in the healthcare delivery system and other fields of human endeavour.

“We must invest decisively in critical infrastructure—physical and digital—to ensure seamless connectivity and accessibility across and within regions.”

Momoh noted that the retreat was not just another meeting, adding that, “It is a significant milestone in reaffirming our shared responsibility to transform our regions into zones of prosperity, peace, and opportunity.”

He also disclosed plans by the ministry to introduce a system of peer review among the commissions, fostering healthy competition and continuous improvement.

He urged participants to use the retreat to interrogate practices, challenge each other, and forge stronger bonds of collaboration.

“Let us leave here with renewed energy, clear commitments, and a shared determination to deliver on the promises we owe to our regions and our people,” he said.

Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, urged participants to work collaboratively to achieve the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President.

Represented by the Deputy Governor, Dennis Idahosa, the governor said: “At this point in our history, when Nigeria’s development path has been uneven, fresh ideas become imperative to address these challenges.”