The Minister of Regional Development, Abubakar Momoh, has urged the Board Members of the North West (NWDC) and South East Development Commission (SEDC) to ensure accountability and transparency in running the affairs of their respective Commissions.
Momoh, who spoke in Abuja Tuesday during the inauguration of the boards of the NWDC and the SEDC, urged members to collaborate with state governments within their areas of coverage and ensure that their activities align with the needs of the people and impact positively on their respective regions.
While delivering his address, the minister commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his prompt assent to the Bills establishing the commissions, and the National Assembly for coming up with the Bills. He noted that “the Commissions are intended by the Federal Government to ensure even and speedy development in all regions of the country.”
The minister enjoined the commissions to align their programs and activities with key priority areas of the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda, especially in areas of reforming the economy for sustained and inclusive growth, strengthen national security for peace and prosperity, improve agriculture to achieve food security, harness energy and natural resources for sustainable development, enhance infrastructure and transportation as enablers of growth; focus on education, health and social investment as essential pillars of development.
He charged members to adhere strictly with the principles of due process and all relevant laws, particularly with the provisions of the Procurement Act and other financial regulations in force.
He urged the commissions to “form strong partnerships with state governments, the private sector and development partners to maximise resources and expertise, while also engaging local communities to ensure inclusivity and their participation in the development process.”
Momoh kicked against the call by some people for the replacement of the current Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) with someone from Delta State, maintaining that even when the current NDDC Managing Director ends his tenure, it will be the turn of Edo state to produce the next MD, not Delta State.
Earlier in his remarks, the Minister of State, Federal Ministry of Regional Development, Uba Maigari Ahmadu, commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to national development which brought the establishment of Ministry of Regional Development and the regional development commissions across the six geo-political zones of the country.
Uba described the initiatives as “not mere administrative reforms,” but as “purposeful instruments to deliver the Renewed Hope Agenda, reignite Nigeria’s development trajectory through sustainable and inclusive policies.”
Uba congratulated the members and urged them to “prioritize strategic oversight, foster partnerships with states and local governments, traditional institutions and private sector players, and ensure that the Commission’s activities are impactful and aligned with the aspirations of the people.”
The Chairman Senate Committee on North West Development Commission Senator Babangida Hussaini and his counterpart on the South East Development Commission Senator Orji Uzor Kalu urged members of both Commissions to avoid corrupt practices and ensure accountability and transparency in all they do. They advised the members to be innovative and focus on projects that add value to the life of the people.
They assured that they will perform their oversight functions on the commissions, emphasizing that “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 said.
Chairman of the NWDC Professor Lawal Abdullahi and his SEDC counterpart Senator Emeka Wogu assured that they will work effectively to justify the confidence reposed in them.
Signed:
Abdulrashid Safana,
Head, Press and Public Relations.
