The Minister of Regional Development, Abubakar Momoh, has cautioned regional development commissions across Nigeria to prioritise the completion of ongoing projects before initiating new ones, stressing the need for discipline and efficiency in project execution.
Speaking in Benin City at a two day sectoral retreat themed Fresh Ideas to Unlock the Potentials of the Region, the minister warned against the persistent issues of abandoned projects, duplication of responsibilities and unhealthy rivalry among agencies. The retreat brought together ministry officials, leaders of seven regional commissions and members of the National Assembly.
Momoh emphasised that the commissions were elished by President Bola Tinubu not based on geopolitical considerations but as part of a broader strategy for geo spatial development. According to him, the initiative is designed to promote targeted economic growth and social transformation across regions through coordinated planning and execution.
He made it clear that starting new projects without completing existing ones undermines development goals and wastes resources. He urged agencies to assess the impact of ongoing projects before embarking on fresh initiatives.
The minister also outlined priority areas for the commissions including roads bridges transportation networks healthcare delivery security digital infrastructure and empowerment programmes for youth and women. He further encouraged the elishment of centres of excellence in critical sectors such as healthcare.
In addition, Momoh revealed plans to introduce a peer review system among commissions to promote accountability innovation and healthy competition.
Also speaking, Monday Okpebholo, represented by his deputy Dennis Idahosa, called for stronger collaboration among stakeholders to advance the Renewed Hope Agenda and address uneven development across the country.
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