The Minister of Regional Development, Engr. Abubakar Momoh has charged the Regional Development Commissions and the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, to collaborate more in the execution of regional projects.
Momoh gave the charge during a three-day retreat organised by the Ministry of Regional Development for the Regional Development Commissions in Benin, Edo State, with the theme: “Generating Fresh Ideas to Unlock the Potentials of the Regions.”
The leadership of the Development Commissions, including the Chairman of the NDDC Governing Board, Mr Chiedu Ebie, the Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku and other members of the board, were at the retreat.
The Minister said the establishment of the development Commissions by the administration of President Bola Tinubu reflected an institutional commitment to the coordinated, targeted transformation of the regions through the revitalisation of critical infrastructure.
Momoh reiterated that the establishment of Regional Development Commissions was borne out of the recognition that our country’s prosperity must be broad-based, addressing peculiar developmental challenges of each region and harnessing their unique potentials.
The Minister emphasised the importance of cooperation and said, “For an organisation to excel, its leadership must show the way, and the people behind them must be ready to cooperate.”
Momoh challenged the Development Commissions to be diligent and align their vision with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The Minister expressed optimism that the regions would begin to see significant strides in infrastructure development and impactful projects to address people’s needs.
Momoh stressed that in carrying out their responsibilities, transparency, accountability, and due process must remain the watchword for the Commissions.
The Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, observed that the retreat would strengthen regional development and ensure that the Federal Government’s vision of balanced, inclusive, and sustainable growth across all regions of Nigeria was realised.
The Governor, who was represented by his Deputy, Hon. Dennis Idahosa, described the Commissions as instruments through which the Renewed Hope covenant of Mr President with Nigerians will be felt at the grassroots level.
Okpebholo urged the Development Commissions to deliver projects that address people’s needs and lift families out of poverty. “Above all, work in harmony with your Boards, stakeholders, and the supervising Ministry to ensure that no effort is wasted, the governor charged.”
In her remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Regional Development, Dr Mary Ogbe, also emphasised the importance of the retreat, stating: “This retreat is not just about procedures and processes; it is about aligning your vision with the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr President and the policy direction of the Ministry.”
She stated that the performance of the Development Commissions would be judged by the lives they touch, the communities they uplift, and the opportunities they create in their regions.
In his presentation entitled: “Understanding Public Procurement: Procedures, Procurement methods/procedures and Approval Thresholds,” the Chairman of FCT Civil Service Commission, Engr. Emeka Ezeh, noted that procurement was a tool for good governance and a mechanism to fight corruption.
