The Minister of Regional Development, Abubakar Momoh, has warned regional development commissions across the country against embarking on new projects without completing ongoing ones.
Momoh also cautioned the commissions against duplication of efforts and unhealthy rivalry among agencies.
He gave the warning in Benin during the opening of a two-day sectoral retreat for the ministry’s leadership team, boards, management of the seven regional development commissions, and members of the National Assembly.
The retreat, themed, ‘Fresh ideas to unlock the potential of the region’, brought together key stakeholders to deliberate on strategies for regional growth and development.
Speaking at the event, the minister reminded the commissions of the rationale behind President Bola Tinubu’s decision to establish an additional development commission.
According to him, “This bold initiative is not anchored on geo-political considerations but on a strategic commitment to geo-spatial development, recognising the need for a multi-sectoral, area-based, and spatially targeted approach to serve as a catalyst for regional economic and social transformation.
“One of the recurring challenges we face is duplication of efforts, uncompleted projects, and inter-agency rivalry. This has to stop. New projects must only commence when existing ones are substantially completed and assessed for impact.”
Momoh urged the commissions to prioritise key sectors such as roads, bridges, transportation links, investments, healthcare delivery, security, digital infrastructure, and youth and women empowerment.
He added that the agencies must align their efforts towards achieving a common national goal of equitable and sustainable development.
The minister further stressed the need for innovation, urging the commissions to consider establishing centres of excellence in healthcare delivery and other critical sectors.
“We must invest decisively in critical infrastructure, physical and digital, to ensure seamless connectivity and accessibility across and within regions,” he said.
Momoh noted that the retreat represents more than just a routine meeting, describing it as a crucial step towards strengthening collective responsibility in transforming regions into hubs of prosperity, peace, and opportunity.
He also disclosed plans by the ministry to introduce a peer-review system among the commissions to encourage healthy competition and continuous improvement.
