By Ismaeel Aleem
The federal government, FG, has inaugurated the governing boards and management teams of three newly established regional development commissions for the South-South, South-West and North-Central regions.
The inauguration, held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abuja, marked a major milestone in advancing President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, designed to promote national stability and drive economic growth through targeted regional development.
Presiding over the ceremony, the Minister of Regional Development, Abubakar Momoh, underscored the boards’ critical responsibility to deliver results that directly benefit citizens.
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He urged the appointees to uphold transparency, fairness and ethical conduct in their operations, warning against embarking on “unrealistic projects motivated by personal and selfish gains.”
Momoh stressed that the commission’s credibility would depend on rebuilding public trust by producing tangible improvements in people’s lives.
He disclosed that the ministry had signed a performance bond with Tinubu in line with the government’s 80 priority areas and confirmed that the new boards would also sign similar agreements to ensure accountability.
The Minister of State for Regional Development, Uba Ahmadu, described the commissions as a strategic intervention to reduce regional inequalities and harness local strengths.
“This is not just an administrative exercise but a deliberate move to address developmental gaps and create opportunities for growth across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones,” he said.
Ahmadu tasked the boards with driving infrastructure renewal, social empowerment and economic diversification, while ensuring prudent management of public resources.
Permanent Secretary Mary Ogbe praised the establishment of the commissions as a “visionary step” towards institutionalising regional development.
She recalled that four other commissions—including the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and the North-East Development Commission (NEDC)—were already operational under the ministry’s supervision.
Speaking on behalf of the House of Representatives, Hon Felix Nwaeke cautioned the appointees against mismanaging funds, urging them to focus on properly financed projects with a direct impact on ordinary Nigerians.
He assured the commissions of the National Assembly’s continued support through oversight and legislative backing.
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The ceremony was attended by representatives of state governments, including officials from Nasarawa and Plateau, alongside other dignitaries.
The inauguration reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to equitable development, with expectations now high for the commissions to deliver measurable results aligned with Nigeria’s broader national goals.
