Abubakar Momoh Commissions South East and North West Development Councils 

Abubakar Momoh Commissions South East and North West Development Councils

Abuja, February 11, 2025 – In a move aimed at fostering equitable development across Nigeria, the Honourable Minister of Regional Development, Engr. Abubakar Momoh FNSE, has inaugurated the governing boards of the South East Development Commission (SEDC) and the North West Development Commission (NWDC). The inauguration, held in Abuja, signals a renewed commitment by the Federal Government to address regional disparities and drive sustainable economic growth.

During the event, Engr. Momoh emphasized the strategic importance of these commissions in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes infrastructure development, economic diversification, job creation, security enhancement, and human capital development. He further highlighted the need for environmental sustainability, noting that the South East continues to battle erosion while the North West faces desertification challenges.

The Minister formally inaugurated the governing councils, which consist of seasoned professionals and key regional stakeholders. Leading the South East Development Commission (SEDC) are Dr. Emeka Nworgu as Chairman and Hon. Mark C. Okoye as Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer. Similarly, Alhaji Lawal Samai’la Abdullahi has been appointed Chairman of the North West Development Commission (NWDC), with Professor Abdullahi Shehu Ma’aji as Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer. The Minister acknowledged the full composition of the councils, emphasizing their shared duty in shaping the future of their respective regions.

Engr. Momoh outlined the expected areas of focus for both commissions. For the South East, he pointed to the need for infrastructural revitalization, industrialization, and enhanced trade and commerce, given the region’s strong entrepreneurial culture. The North West Development Commission, he said, will prioritize agricultural productivity, security, education, and the reduction of out-of-school children, while also reviving historic economic initiatives like the groundnut pyramids.

He stressed that financial accountability and prudent resource management would be critical, warning against any form of mismanagement. He reiterated that contracts exceeding stipulated limits would require approval from the Ministry and the Federal Executive Council in compliance with financial regulations. The Minister assured the new board members of the government’s full support and announced plans for a retreat to better equip them for their responsibilities.

The establishment of these commissions is seen as a bold step toward ensuring that no region is left behind in Nigeria’s economic advancement. With their mandates clearly outlined, the commissions are expected to serve as engines for regional growth, providing tangible benefits to millions of Nigerians.

The Federal Government reaffirmed its commitment to overseeing and supporting the commissions to ensure transparency, efficiency, and meaningful developmental impact in both regions.