Development Commissions, NDDC Resolve To Collaborate With Stakeholders

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

This commitment was outlined in a communiqué issued at the conclusion of a three-day retreat organised by the Ministry of Regional Development in Benin, Edo State. Participants agreed to work in synergy with all stakeholders across their regions and nationally.

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

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

He noted that discussions focused on “Generating Fresh Ideas to Unlock the Potential of the Regions,” encompassing leveraging international partners – such as the UNDP – for funding and adhering to Treasury Single Account (TSA) regulations.

Participants resolved that the Commissions’ leadership would sign a performance bond to ensure effectiveness, with a focus on delivering tangible projects to reduce poverty.

Mr. Ewache stated that the draft National Policy on Regional Development had been unveiled, and plans are underway to review the Commissions’ Establishment Acts to strengthen performance.

The communiqué stated that “projects will 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 is 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 ceremony, the Minister of Regional Development, Engr. Momoh, and the NDDC Managing Director received awards for “outstanding development and impact” from the Association of Edo Youths for Peace.

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