Minister Momoh Leads FG Regional Development Retreat In Benin, Targets Stronger Coordination And Project Delivery

Benin City, Edo State – April 16, 2026

The Federal Government, through the Ministry of Regional Development, has convened a high-level Sectoral Retreat for the leadership of the Ministry and Regional Development Commissions, aimed at strengthening coordination, accountability, and project delivery across the country.

The retreat, holding from April 15 to 18, 2026, at the Victor Uwaifo Creative Hub, is being led by the Honourable Minister of Regional Development, Abubakar Momoh.

The Governor of Edo State, His Excellency Monday Okpebholo, was represented at the opening ceremony by his Deputy, Dennis Idahosa, while the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mary Ada Ogbe, was also in attendance.

In his keynote address, Engr. Momoh described the retreat as a strategic platform to deepen synergy between the Ministry and the various Regional Development Commissions in line with the development priorities of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

He noted that the establishment of additional Regional Development Commissions across the six geopolitical zones reflects the administration’s commitment to a structured, spatially driven approach to development aimed at addressing regional disparities and unlocking economic potential.

The Minister emphasized that while the commissions operate within distinct regional mandates, they must collectively pursue a unified national objective of equitable and sustainable development.

He identified key challenges affecting development outcomes, including duplication of projects, abandonment of initiatives, and inter-agency rivalry, stressing that improved coordination and accountability are critical to achieving meaningful results.

To address these issues, Engr. Momoh stated that the Ministry will prioritize project continuity and completion, ensuring that new projects are initiated only after existing ones have reached substantial levels of execution and impact.

He further announced the introduction of performance bonds for the leadership of the commissions, with clearly defined benchmarks to drive efficiency, transparency, and measurable outcomes.

The Minister also highlighted the need to explore alternative funding mechanisms, including Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs), while maintaining strict adherence to due process, transparency, and prudent financial management.

Key priority areas outlined include infrastructure development, healthcare delivery, agriculture, digital connectivity, security, and youth and women empowerment, in alignment with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Federal Government.

He reiterated that development must remain people-centered, inclusive, and impact-driven, with strong stakeholder engagement at all stages of planning and implementation.

The retreat is expected to produce actionable frameworks that will enhance coordination among the commissions and significantly improve development outcomes across Nigeria.