Tinubu orders immediate release of funds to regional commissions

President Bola Tinubu has instructed the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, to ensure that funds allocated to Nigeria’s regional development commissions are promptly released. The directive was given during a meeting of the North Central Development Commission, held with the theme, “The Great Leap Forward: A 20-Year Economic Infrastructure and Social Development Plan for the North Central Region.”

Akume, who spoke on behalf of Tinubu at the summit, explained that these commissions were a key part of the Federal Government's Renewed Hope Agenda, aimed at boosting development and creating economic opportunities nationwide. The President vowed to maintain strong political and financial support for the commissions, particularly in executing projects that can spur economic and industrial growth.

"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. However, Tinubu cautioned the commissions against relying solely on government allocations, urging them to explore alternative sources of funding, such as public-private partnerships, donor agencies, and development finance institutions.

He also emphasized that the commissions should invest their resources in strategic projects focused on rail transportation, aviation, industrialisation, security, investment, human capital development, education, and healthcare. Tinubu warned against corruption, discrimination, political interference, and abuse of public resources, stating that such actions would not be tolerated and government would not hesitate to penalize anyone found guilty.

The North Central Development Commission, under the leadership of Nasarawa State Governor and Chairman of the North Central Governors’ Forum, Abdullahi Sule, highlighted the region's potential to become a major engine of Nigeria's growth. Sule emphasized the importance of processing raw materials locally, rather than exporting them unprocessed, and cited the example of a cement factory in Kogi State.

He also noted the establishment of Nigeria's largest and second-largest lithium processing plants in Nasarawa State. Sule called for visionary and effective leadership to develop long-term strategies and ensure their successful implementation.