Regional Development Ministry And BPP Hold Strategic Retreat For New Commissions’ Boards

Abuja, Nigeria — September 8, 2025

The Ministry of Regional Development, in collaboration with the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), has organized a one-day strategic retreat for the newly inaugurated Boards and Management Teams of the South-South, South-West, and North-Central Development Commissions. The retreat took place at the Minister’s Conference Room, Federal Secretariat Annex, Abuja.

The programme commenced with the National Prayer and the introduction of participants, setting the tone for a day of deep engagement and policy alignment.

Honourable Minister of Regional Development, Engineer Abubakar Momoh, delivered the opening speech, urging the participants to align their vision with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

> “This retreat is not just about procedures and processes; it is about aligning your vision with the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. President. Your performance will be judged not by the number of contracts awarded, but by the lives you touch, the communities you uplift, and the opportunities you create,” the Minister said.

Minister of State for Regional Development, His Excellency Uba Maigari Ahmadu, described the commissions as the frontline commanders of the President’s covenant with Nigerians. He charged them to deliver projects that speak for themselves, implement programmes that lift families out of poverty, and build trust through transparency and accountability.

Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Mary Ada Ogbeh, congratulated the new board members, describing the retreat as the beginning of a collective journey toward balanced, inclusive, and sustainable development across Nigeria’s regions.

The technical highlight of the retreat was a presentation by Dr. Adedokun Adebowole, Director-General of the Bureau of Public Procurement, who took participants through key procurement procedures and emphasized strict compliance with the Public Procurement Act, 2007.

The event also featured an interactive Q&A session, comments from ministry directors, and a closing vote of thanks by Lawal Abdul Rasheed, Director of Procurement, who reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to accountability, transparency, and due process in project execution.

With this retreat, the Ministry and the BPP have set the stage for the commissions to deliver impactful programmes, transform communities, and drive the Renewed Hope Agenda to the grassroots.