President Bola Tinubu has warned Regional Development Commissions against spending public funds on projects that have little impact on the lives of Nigerians.
Tinubu issued the warning on Monday while declaring open the first North Central Stakeholders Development Summit organised by the North Central Development Commission (NCDC) in Abuja.
The President, who was represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, said the commissions must ensure that government funds are used for projects with clear objectives, proper financing plans and measurable benefits.
He said the era of wasteful “white elephant” projects was over and warned that the commissions must not become channels for misusing public resources.
Tinubu also cautioned against corruption, political interference, marginalisation and ethnic considerations in the selection and implementation of projects. He said officials found guilty of such practices would face sanctions.
The President directed the Federal Government to ensure that funds allocated to the commissions are released on time, while assuring the agencies of continued political and financial support.
He, however, urged the commissions to look beyond government funding by attracting private-sector investments, donor assistance and development finance.
According to Tinubu, the Regional Development Commissions were established under his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda to address persistent development challenges and create more economic opportunities across the country.
Focusing on the North Central region, the President identified agriculture, agro-processing, solid minerals, industrialisation, security, education and healthcare as key areas requiring urgent attention.
He urged participants at the summit to produce a practical development blueprint that would guide the region over the coming years.
The summit is centred 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.”
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