President Bola Tinubu has warned Nigeria’s Regional Development Commissions against embarking on poorly planned projects, saying the era of expensive “white elephant” schemes with little impact on citizens is over.
Tinubu gave the warning on Monday while declaring open the inaugural North Central Stakeholders Development Summit organised by the North Central Development Commission in Abuja.
The President, who was represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, said the commissions must prioritise projects with clearly defined objectives, sustainable funding and measurable benefits.
“The era of white elephant projects is over, and there is no excuse for the Commissions to become another conduit for wasting public funds,” he said.
He also cautioned the commissions against corruption, political interference, marginalisation and ethnic considerations in the selection and implementation of projects.
Tinubu warned that officials found culpable of misconduct would be sanctioned.
The President directed the Federal Government to ensure the prompt release of funds accruable to the commissions, while pledging continued political and financial support for their activities.
“Government will continue to give the NCDC and other Regional Development Commissions the political and financial backing to embark on key projects that will unlock the economic and industrial potentials of the nation,” he said.
“I therefore direct the Secretary to the Government of the Federation to ensure that all funds accruable to the Commissions are released as and when due.”
However, Tinubu urged the commissions not to depend solely on government allocations, advising them to attract private-sector investment, donor support and development finance.
He said the commissions were created under the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda to address persistent development gaps and expand economic opportunities across the country’s regions.
“For us, the establishment of these Commissions is not an end in itself. Rather, it is our way of looking at why development gaps still exist and trying to close them up for the benefit of our people,” the President said.
Speaking specifically on the North Central, Tinubu identified agriculture, agro-processing, solid minerals, industrialisation, security, education and healthcare as priority areas requiring urgent intervention.
He urged participants at the summit to develop a practical and sustainable blueprint to guide the region’s development over the long term.
The summit is focused on a proposed 20-year economic, infrastructure and social development plan for the North Central region.
It is being held under the theme, “The Great Leap Forward: A 20-Year Economic, Infrastructural and Social Development Plan for the North Central Region.”
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