Tinubu Warns Regional Commissions Against Wasteful Projects
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has warned Nigeria’s Regional Development Commissions against embarking on poorly planned projects that consume public funds without delivering meaningful benefits to citizens.
Tinubu issued the warning on Monday while declaring open the first North Central Stakeholders Development Summit organised by the North Central Development Commission (NCDC) in Abuja. He was represented at the event by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume.
The President said the newly established development commissions must focus on projects with clearly defined objectives, sustainable financing and measurable outcomes.
He cautioned against allowing the commissions to become channels for corruption, political interference, ethnic considerations or the unnecessary expenditure of government resources.
Tinubu also warned that officials found culpable of corrupt practices in the management or execution of projects would face sanctions.
According to the President, the era of expensive projects with little or no tangible impact on communities must come to an end.
He further directed the SGF to ensure that funds accruable to the development commissions are released promptly to enable them to carry out their responsibilities.
While assuring the commissions of the Federal Government’s political and financial backing, Tinubu urged them not to rely solely on government allocations.
He encouraged the agencies to explore private-sector investment, donor support and development-finance opportunities to increase their capacity to execute major projects.
The President said the establishment of the regional commissions was part of his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda and was designed to address longstanding development gaps across the country.
For the North Central region, he identified agriculture, agro-processing, solid minerals, industrialisation, security, education and healthcare as sectors requiring significant attention.
Tinubu urged stakeholders at the summit to develop a practical long-term blueprint capable of driving sustainable development across the region.
The NCDC is currently working on a proposed 20-year economic, infrastructure and social development plan aimed at unlocking the region’s agricultural, mineral and human-capital potential.
The President stressed that the commission and other regional development bodies must ensure that their interventions translate into tangible improvements in the lives and livelihoods of Nigerians rather than becoming another avenue for wasteful spending.
