No more white elephants projects – Tinubu

President Bola Tinubu has cautioned Nigeria's Regional Development Commissions against squandering public funds on projects that lack clear objectives, realistic funding, and tangible benefits for citizens. This warning came during the inaugural North Central Stakeholders Development Summit, held in Abuja, which was organized by the North Central Development Commission (NCDC).

Tinubu, accompanied by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume, emphasized that the era of costly "white elephant" schemes is over, and the commissions must prioritize projects with measurable benefits for the communities they serve.

Tinubu cautioned the commissions against corruption, political interference, marginalization, and ethnic considerations in project allocation and execution, threatening sanctions for those found culpable. He directed the Federal Government to ensure timely fund release to the commissions and assured them of continued political and financial backing for key development projects.

Despite this stern warning, Tinubu urged the commissions to explore private investment, donor funding, and development finance to bolster their capacity. He stated that the NCDC and other Regional Development Commissions were established under his administration's Renewed Hope Agenda to address development disparities and spur economic opportunities nationwide.

Tinubu identified agriculture, agro-processing, solid minerals, industrialization, security, education, and healthcare as critical areas for urgent attention in the North Central region.

The President emphasized that the establishment of these commissions is not an end in itself but a means to bridge development gaps and foster long-term economic growth. The summit focused on a proposed 20-year economic, infrastructure, and social development plan for the North Central region, with the theme, "The Great Leap Forward: A 20-Year Economic, Infrastructural and Social Development Plan for the North Central Region."