From The Nijasun News Analysis Desk
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive for the timely release of funds to Nigeria’s Regional Development Commissions is a significant step towards giving the commissions the capacity to address development challenges across the country.
The directive, issued at the first North Central Stakeholders Development Summit in Abuja, is particularly important because the effectiveness of any development commission depends largely on the availability and timely release of funds.
By directing the Secretary to the Government of the Federation to ensure that funds accruable to the commissions are released as and when due, Tinubu has placed the responsibility for removing possible financial bottlenecks squarely on the Federal Government.
However, the President’s message goes beyond funding. He warned the commissions against corruption, waste, politicisation, marginalisation and ethnicisation, while also cautioning them against embarking on white-elephant projects.
This is important because the creation of additional development institutions can only be justified if they produce tangible results for the people. The commissions must therefore demonstrate that resources allocated to them are being converted into projects that improve infrastructure, create economic opportunities and raise the standard of living.
Tinubu’s emphasis on roads, rail, air transportation, industrialisation, security, investment, education, healthcare and human capital development also reflects the broad development challenges facing the regions.
The decision to encourage the commissions to seek funding through public-private partnerships, donor support and development financing is equally significant. Government funding alone may not be sufficient for the large-scale infrastructure and economic projects envisaged by the commissions.
At the same time, the President’s warning that the commissions must not duplicate or usurp the functions of existing levels of government should not be overlooked.
Effective coordination with federal, state and local governments will be essential if the commissions are to avoid unnecessary duplication and bureaucratic waste.
For the North Central, the proposed 20-year development plan provides an opportunity to address its considerable potential in agriculture, agro-processing, solid minerals and industrial development. But such a plan will only be meaningful if it moves beyond conferences and documents to actual implementation.
That is why Tinubu’s warning against reports being left to gather dust on shelves is particularly relevant. Nigeria has produced many development plans in the past. The major challenge has often been translating those plans into completed projects and measurable improvements in people’s lives.
The success of the Regional Development Commissions will ultimately be judged not by the number of summits held or plans produced, but by the roads constructed, industries established, jobs created, healthcare and education improved, and economic opportunities opened to citizens.
Tinubu has now provided a clear directive on funding and implementation.
The real test is whether the commissions will deliver.
Tags: Tinubu #Regional Development #North Central #Nigeria
