BREAKING NEWS: Tinubu Directs Timely Release of Funds to Regional Development Commissions

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the timely release of funds allocated to Nigeria’s Regional Development Commissions to enable them to implement projects aimed at improving infrastructure and boosting economic growth across the country.

The President, however, warned the commissions against corruption, wasteful spending and the execution of projects that provide little or no meaningful benefit to the people.

Tinubu issued the directive on Monday in Abuja while declaring open the first North Central Stakeholders Development Summit, organised by the North Central Development Commission (NCDC).

Represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, the President said his administration would continue to provide the political and financial support required by the commissions to unlock the economic and industrial potential of their respective regions.

He consequently instructed the SGF to ensure that funds due to the commissions were released promptly.

“Government will continue to give the NCDC and other Regional Development Commissions the political and financial backing to embark on key projects that will unlock the economic and industrial potentials of the nation,” Tinubu said.

He added, “I therefore direct the Secretary to the Government of the Federation to ensure that all funds accruable to the Commissions are released as and when due.”

Tinubu Warns Against Wasteful Projects

While pledging continued government support, Tinubu urged the commissions to explore alternative sources of funding to reduce their dependence on public resources.

He identified public-private partnerships, donor support and development financing, where permitted by law and government policy, as possible avenues for raising additional funds.

The President explained that the establishment of the Regional Development Commissions was part of his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, designed to address longstanding infrastructure and economic challenges across the country.

According to him, the commissions were not created to replace or take over the responsibilities of existing tiers of government.

“Rather, it is our way of looking at why development gaps still exist and trying to close them up for the benefit of our people,” he stated.

Tinubu urged the commissions to focus on projects that respond directly to the needs of their regions while improving economic and infrastructural connections across the country.

He listed transportation, industrialisation, security, investment, education, healthcare and human capital development among the sectors requiring sustained attention.

The President also directed the commissions to develop clear, realistic and properly funded programmes, stressing that project selection must be based on their economic and social impact.

“The era of white elephant projects is over and there is no excuse for the Commissions to become another conduit for wasting public funds,” he warned.

President Cautions Boards Against Corruption

Tinubu further instructed the Ministry of Regional Development to ensure that the commissions operated in line with the Regional Development Policy Document.

He also called on the National Assembly to provide effective oversight of their activities.

The President warned the boards and managements of the commissions against corruption, marginalisation, politicisation and ethnic considerations in the administration of the institutions.

He made it clear that anyone found guilty of such misconduct would face appropriate sanctions.

“Such actions will not be tolerated and government will not hesitate to sanction anyone found culpable,” Tinubu said.

Tinubu Highlights North Central’s Economic Potential

Speaking on the North Central region, the President noted that the area had significant potential in agriculture, food production, agro-processing, solid minerals, industrialisation, peace and security.

He expressed concern that the region had operated below its potential for many years, urging stakeholders to use the summit as an opportunity to develop a new path towards sustainable economic growth and inclusive development.

Tinubu also addressed the security challenges affecting the region, saying the Federal Government had intensified surveillance and intelligence gathering, established additional security formations and deployed more personnel.

He added that the government had strengthened the prosecution of criminals while supporting dialogue and reconciliation efforts.

The President called on the NCDC to complement these measures by supporting initiatives that would promote peace and stability, stressing that meaningful development could not thrive in an atmosphere of insecurity.

20-Year Development Plan Must Lead to Action

Tinubu described the theme of the summit, “The Great Leap Forward: A 20-Year Economic, Infrastructural and Social Development Plan for the North Central Region,” as timely and relevant.

He said the gathering provided an opportunity for stakeholders to reach an agreement on a long-term development plan that would reflect the needs and aspirations of the people.

The President urged participants to critically examine the proposed 20-year plan and ensure that it was realistic, achievable and consistent with the objectives of the Renewed Hope Agenda.

He warned against turning the summit into another platform where ideas were discussed and reports produced without concrete implementation.

“This Summit should not end up as one of those platforms where ideas are ventilated and reports generated only to be left dusting on the shelves. The NCDC should show a better example by following through to implementation,” he said.

The President’s directive reinforces his administration’s emphasis on accountability, effective project delivery and the responsible use of public funds in driving regional development.