Nigeria's Tinubu orders fund release for regional development commissions

President Bola Tinubu has directed the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, to ensure the timely release of funds to the North Central Development Commission (NCDC) and other regional development commissions. The directive was issued during the first North Central Stakeholders Development Summit in Abuja.

Representing the President, Akume stated that the federal government will provide political and financial support to these commissions to help unlock regional economic and industrial potential. The President emphasized that the commissions are part of his ‘Renewed Hope Agenda’ intended to close development gaps rather than replace or duplicate the functions of existing tiers of government.

Tinubu warned the commissions against corruption, waste, and becoming conduits for the misuse of public funds. He urged the boards and management to avoid sole reliance on government funding and instead explore alternative financing methods, such as public-private partnerships, donor funding, and development financing. The summit focused on a 20-year economic, infrastructural, and social development plan for the North Central region.