Regional Development  Minister Abubakar Momoh Applauds NEDC’s Impact, Urges Focus on Projects That Can Be Started and Finished

Regional Development  Minister Abubakar Momoh Applauds NEDC’s Impact, Urges Focus on Projects That Can Be Started and Finished

In a spirited push to deepen regional development and accelerate the delivery of strategic infrastructure, the North East Development Commission (NEDC) held a high-level interactive session on Thursday with the Federal Ministry of Regional Development in Abuja.

The event, described by participants as both engaging and result-oriented, was anchored on aligning the Commission’s ongoing interventions with the broader goals of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda — ensuring that development is felt at the grassroots and across every corner of the North East geopolitical zone.

Speaking at the session, the Managing Director of the Commission, Mohammed Goni Alkali, presented a compelling overview of NEDC’s impact so far — from road construction and educational interventions to healthcare and humanitarian support. However, he noted that the time had come to scale up efforts.

“We are now shifting gears into executing transformative, big-ticket projects — especially in rail, road, transportation, and connectivity,” Alkali stated, emphasizing the Commission’s readiness to tackle larger infrastructure that will sustainably unlock the region’s economic potential.

On his part, the Honourable Minister of Regional Development, Engr. Abubakar Momoh, FNSE, applauded the Commission’s commitment but stressed the need for measurable performance and intentionality in project execution.

“Today, all eyes are on the Ministry of Regional Development — and rightly so. Our mandate is broad, and our mission is clear: to drive impactful development across Nigeria’s regions. As a supervising Ministry, we expect commissions under our purview to prioritize projects they can initiate and complete, not just start,” the Minister asserted.

He further reiterated that the Ministry’s role is not only to supervise but to ensure the success of development commissions like the NEDC — adding that this was the time for visible, community-driven transformation.

Also lending his voice, the Minister of State, H.E. Uba Maigari Ahmadu, highlighted the vast scope of the NEDC, commending its focus on high-impact developmental initiatives. He called for more synergy between the Commission and stakeholders to ensure that every project leaves a tangible footprint in the lives of Nigerians.

The session ended on a high note with a shared commitment to deepen collaboration, speed up implementation timelines, and ensure that the North East region, once ravaged by conflict and underdevelopment, becomes a model of resilience and economic resurgence.

“From rail to roads, from education to energy — it’s time to deliver. The people of the North East deserve no less,” the MD concluded.

This meeting marks yet another step in the Ministry’s ongoing drive to institutionalize efficiency, transparency, and result-oriented governance, all in line with the vision of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to bring development to the doorsteps of every Nigerian.

Osigwe Omo-Ikirodah reporting for iReporteronline