President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered the timely release of approved funds to Nigeria’s regional development commissions, warning against corruption, political interference and wasteful “white-elephant” projects.
The President gave the directive in a speech delivered at a regional development event in Abuja. He was represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume.
Tinubu said the commissions, established under the Renewed Hope Agenda, were designed to close longstanding development gaps across the country—not to duplicate the functions of state or local governments.
He directed the commissions to prioritise high-impact projects in road and rail transportation, industrialisation, security, investment, healthcare, education and human-capital development.
The President also urged the commissions to look beyond statutory allocations by pursuing public-private partnerships, donor support and development financing.
He warned board members and management teams against corruption, marginalisation, ethnic bias and politicisation, saying offenders would face strict disciplinary action.
The Ministry of Regional Development, he said, would ensure that the commissions operate within approved policy guidelines, while the legislature would maintain rigorous oversight of their activities.
Tinubu said the ultimate measure of the commissions’ success would be improved living conditions for citizens across all geopolitical zones.
Meanwhile, stakeholders from the North Central region have unveiled a 20-year economic, infrastructural and social development plan aimed at transforming the region’s vast resources into sustainable prosperity.
The plan, titled “The Great Leap Forward,” was presented at the inaugural North Central Stakeholders Summit. In his speech, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said the initiative would link infrastructure with production, natural resources with industry, and human-capital development with regional security.
Idris described the North Central as Nigeria’s geographical heartland and a vital bridge between the north and south. The region, he said, possesses extensive agricultural land, solid minerals, water and energy resources, tourism potential and a large population capable of driving economic growth.
The minister also highlighted the creation of four new regional development commissions, bringing the national total to six, as evidence of the administration’s commitment to taking development closer to the people.
The summit ended with a call for the region to move beyond isolated projects and short-term political cycles, and instead pursue sustained strategies capable of delivering inclusive and lasting prosperity.
