Tinubu Directs Timely Funding for Regional Infrastructure and Development Projects

President Bola Tinubu has directed the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, to ensure that all approved funds belonging to Nigeria’s regional development commissions are released when due.

The President issued the directive during the North Central Development Commission summit, which focused on a proposed 20-year economic, infrastructure and social development plan for the region.

Akume, who represented Tinubu at the summit, said the establishment of regional development commissions formed part of the administration’s strategy to accelerate economic growth and address infrastructure gaps across the country.

Tinubu assured the commissions of continued political and financial support to implement projects capable of unlocking the economic and industrial potential of their respective regions.

He, however, advised the commissions not to depend exclusively on federal allocations. They were encouraged to attract private-sector investment, donor support and development finance for major projects.

According to the President, their priority areas should include rail infrastructure, air transportation, industrial development, security, investment, education, healthcare and human-capital development.

Investment in housing, roads, transportation and essential public infrastructure will be necessary to support the new economic corridors and industrial centres envisaged under the regional development plans.

Tinubu also warned the boards and management teams of the commissions against corruption, political interference, marginalisation and the misuse of public resources.

He said the government would sanction officials found responsible for financial misconduct or other abuses.

The President clarified that the regional commissions were not created to duplicate or replace the responsibilities of state governments, local councils or existing federal agencies. Instead, they are expected to coordinate interventions and support development projects that require cooperation across state boundaries.

He also urged the North Central Development Commission to support efforts to address insecurity, noting that lasting economic and infrastructure development would be difficult without a stable environment.

Speaking at the summit, Nasarawa State Governor and Chairman of the North Central Governors’ Forum, Abdullahi Sule, said the region possessed considerable resources in agriculture, mining and industrial production.

Sule called for greater investment in local processing and value addition, arguing that minerals and agricultural products extracted within the region should also be processed there.

He cited the development of cement production in Kogi State and lithium-processing plants in Nasarawa as examples of how local industries could generate employment, expand economic activity and strengthen government revenue.

The governor said the North Central region had significant potential in cement, rice, sesame and solid-mineral production but required effective leadership and long-term planning to translate those resources into sustainable development.

Chief Executive Officer of the North Central Development Commission, Cyril Tsenyil, said the commission would coordinate regional development while mobilising investment and partnerships.

He explained that its 20-year plan would prioritise economic corridors, infrastructure expansion, agricultural and mineral processing, industrial development and opportunities for young people.

Successful implementation of the plan could stimulate construction, expand urban infrastructure, create jobs and increase demand for housing across the North Central region.