Regional commissions must deliver projects that benefit people – Tinubu

President Bola Tinubu has instructed regional development commissions to prioritize projects that enhance the lives of Nigerians, urging them to reject corruption, wasteful spending, and wasteful initiatives. The directive was announced on Monday during the inaugural North Central Stakeholders Development Summit, organized by the North Central Development Commission (NCDC) in Abuja.

The President, represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, emphasized that while the federal government would continue to provide political and financial backing, public funds must be allocated to initiatives that generate tangible benefits for the populace.

Tinubu clarified that the regional commissions were established as part of his administration's Renewed Hope Agenda to bridge development gaps nationwide, rather than to supplant the functions of existing government tiers. He stressed that the era of constructing "white elephant" projects has come to an end and that the commissions should refrain from becoming conduits for squandering public resources.

The President outlined key areas where the commissions should concentrate their efforts, including infrastructure development such as roads, railways, and air transport, industrialization, security enhancement, education, healthcare, and human capital development.

Furthermore, Tinubu cautioned against corruption, marginalization, politicization, and ethnic bias within the commissions. He warned that such practices would not be accepted, and the government would take stern action against anyone found guilty. Regarding the North Central region, Tinubu highlighted its vast potential in agriculture, mineral resources, industrialization, and food production, noting that the area has underperformed for an extended period.

He acknowledged the security challenges faced by the region and commended the federal government for intensifying surveillance, intelligence gathering, deployment of security forces, and prosecution of criminals. At the same time, he urged the NCDC to collaborate in restoring peace in the area.