Minister Momoh Inaugurates Boards of North-West and South-East Development Commissions
The Minister of Regional Development, Abubakar Momoh, has called on the newly inaugurated Board Members of the North West Development Commission (NWDC) and the South East Development Commission (SEDC) to prioritize accountability, transparency, and collaboration in their operations. The minister made the appeal during the official inauguration of the boards in Abuja on Tuesday.
A statement signed by Head, Press and Public Relations of the Ministry, Abdulrashid Safana said Momoh emphasized the need for the commissions to work closely with state governments within their respective regions to ensure their activities align with the needs of the people and contribute positively to regional development. He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his swift assent to the bills establishing the commissions and lauded the National Assembly for initiating the legislative framework.
“The commissions were established by the Federal Government to ensure even and speedy development across all regions of the country,” Momoh stated. He urged the boards to align their programs with the key priority areas of the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda, including economic reform for sustained growth, national security, agricultural development, energy and natural resource harnessing, infrastructure enhancement, and investments in education, health, and social welfare.
The minister also stressed the importance of adhering to due process and relevant laws, particularly the Procurement Act and financial regulations. He encouraged the commissions to forge strong partnerships with state governments, the private sector, and development partners to maximize resources and expertise. Additionally, he highlighted the need to engage local communities to ensure inclusivity and active participation in the development process.
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Addressing recent calls for the replacement of the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Momoh clarified that Edo State, not Delta State, is next in line to produce the next MD once the current tenure ends.
In his remarks, the Minister of State for Regional Development, Uba Maigari Ahmadu, praised President Tinubu’s visionary leadership and commitment to national development, which led to the creation of the Ministry of Regional Development and the establishment of regional development commissions across the six geo-political zones. Ahmadu described these initiatives as “purposeful instruments to deliver the Renewed Hope Agenda and reignite Nigeria’s development trajectory through sustainable and inclusive policies.”
He congratulated the board members and urged them to prioritize strategic oversight, foster partnerships with stakeholders, and ensure their activities reflect the aspirations of the people.
Senator Babangida Hussaini, Chairman of the Senate Committee on the North West Development Commission, and Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, Chairman of the Senate Committee on the South East Development Commission, also addressed the newly inaugurated boards. They cautioned against corrupt practices and emphasized the importance of accountability, transparency, and innovation in delivering value-driven projects.
“For us at the Senate, we will chase the money. We will prepare your budget and ensure that Nigerians get value for their money,” Hussaini declared.
The Chairman of the NWDC, Professor Lawal Abdullahi, and his SEDC counterpart, Senator Emeka Wogu, assured the public of their commitment to effective service delivery. They pledged to justify the confidence reposed in them by working diligently to achieve the commissions’ mandates.
The inauguration marks a significant step in the Federal Government’s efforts to promote balanced regional development and address the unique challenges faced by different parts of the country.
By PRNigeria
