The Ministry of Regional Development, the Regional Development Commissions and the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) have resolved to enhance collaboration to bridge development gaps and prevent project abandonment.

In a communique issued at the end of the three-day retreat organised by the Ministry of Regional Development in Benin, Edo State, they agreed to work in synergy with all stakeholders across their regions and the nation at large.

The retreat, chaired by the Minister of Regional Development, Engr. Abubakar Momoh, was attended by top government officials, including heads of various development commissions, the Chairman of the NDDC Governing Board, Mr. Chiedu Ebie, the Managing Director, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, and other members of the board.

Presenting the communiqué, the Director of Planning and Research, Ministry of Regional Development, Mr Victor Ewache, outlined key action points agreed upon by participants, including a review of the Commissions’ Establishment Acts and the adoption of a draft National Policy on Regional Development.

He noted that discussions centred on "Generating Fresh Ideas to Unlock the Potentials of the Regions," including leveraging international partners (such as UNDP) for funding and adhering to Treasury Single Account (TSA) regulations.

According to him, it was resolved that the commission's leadership will sign a performance bond to ensure effectiveness, with a focus on delivering tangible projects that reduce poverty.

Ewache stated that the draft National Policy on Regional Development had been unveiled, and that plans were underway to review the commissions' Establishment Acts to strengthen performance.

The communique stated that “projects are to be prioritised based on strategic infrastructure investments aligned with the Renewed Hope Agenda.”

Earlier in his closing remarks, the Minister of Regional Development, Engr. Abubakar Momoh described the deliberations as robust and focused on strategic areas critical to enhancing the performance of the Regional Development Commissions in line with their mandates.

He emphasised that, given the quality of expert contributions at the retreat, it was imperative for all Commissions to strictly adhere to the provisions of their establishment Acts. The Minister further disclosed that steps would be taken to review the Commissions' establishment Acts to address identified gaps and strengthen institutional performance.

As part of the closing ceremonies, the Minister of Regional Development, Engr Momoh and the NDDC Managing Director were given awards for “outstanding development and impact” by the Association of Edo Youths for Peace.

Presenting the awards to Momoh and Ogbuku, the Chairman of the Youth Association, Dr Aminu Imafidor, described them as dynamic and transformational leaders.

Update news