By Johnson Umishi
The Honourable Minister of Regional Development, Engr. Abubakar Momoh FNSE, has officially inaugurated the governing boards of the South East Development Commission (SEDC) and the North West Development Commission (NWDC), marking a historic milestone in Nigeria’s regional development strategy.
Speaking at the ceremony in Abuja, Engr. Momoh lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his visionary leadership in establishing the commissions to address regional disparities and foster economic growth.
He also commended the National Assembly for the swift passage of the bills that led to their creation, emphasizing the importance of these commissions in harnessing the economic potential of the South East and North West regions while addressing their unique developmental challenges.
South East Development Commission is expected to focus on revitalizing infrastructure, supporting industrialization, and boosting trade and commerce. The Minister highlighted the region’s strong entrepreneurial spirit and its potential to become a hub for manufacturing and technological innovation. Meanwhile, the North West Development Commission will prioritize improving agricultural productivity, strengthening security, and increasing educational opportunities for youths, with a particular emphasis on reducing the number of out-of-school children and reviving the region’s agricultural economy, including the return of the historic groundnut pyramids.
Engr. Momoh underscored the importance of financial prudence and accountability, warning that any mismanagement of funds would not be tolerated. He reminded the board members that all contracts above their approval threshold must be referred to the Ministry and the Federal Executive Council, in compliance with the Public Procurement Act. The Minister assured the newly inaugurated board members of full support from the Ministry and announced plans for a retreat to equip them with the necessary knowledge and tools to execute their mandates effectively.
The establishment of the SEDC and NWDC represents a strategic initiative aimed at accelerating Nigeria’s regional development and fostering inclusive growth. With stakeholders across the South East and North West regions closely monitoring their progress, the commissions are expected to deliver tangible and transformative results that will contribute to the country’s long-term prosperity.
The Federal Government reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring the commissions operate transparently and efficiently, with close oversight from the Ministry of Regional Development. As the newly inaugurated boards take up their responsibilities, expectations remain high for meaningful impact in the respective
