Tinubu Sends Strong Warning To Regional Commissions: ‘No More Wasting Funds’

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has warned Regional Development Commissions against using public funds to finance projects with little or no tangible benefit to Nigerians, declaring that the era of wasteful “white elephant” projects is over.

According to reports, 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.

Represented at the event by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, the President said the commissions must ensure that public funds are directed towards projects with clearly defined objectives, sustainable funding arrangements and measurable benefits for the people.

“The era of white elephant projects is over, and there is no excuse for the Commissions to become another conduit for wasting public funds,” Tinubu said.

The President also cautioned the commissions against corruption, political interference, marginalisation and ethnic considerations in the selection and implementation of development projects.

He warned that officials found culpable of such practices would face appropriate sanctions.

Tinubu further directed the Federal Government to ensure the timely release of funds allocated to the commissions, while assuring them of continued political and financial support to execute strategic projects.

“Government will continue to give the NCDC and other Regional Development Commissions the political and financial backing to embark on key projects that will unlock the economic and industrial potentials of the nation,” he said.

He also directed the Secretary to the Government of the Federation to ensure that funds accruable to the commissions were released as and when due.

However, the President urged the commissions to look beyond government allocations by exploring private-sector investments, donor funding and development finance to expand their capacity and accelerate development.

Tinubu explained that the commissions were established under his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda to address persistent development gaps and create greater economic opportunities across the country.

“For us, the establishment of these Commissions is not an end in itself. Rather, it is our way of looking at why development gaps still exist and trying to close them up for the benefit of our people,” the President said.

Focusing on the North Central region, Tinubu identified agriculture, agro-processing, solid minerals, industrialisation, security, education and healthcare as key areas requiring urgent intervention.

He urged stakeholders at the summit to develop a practical and sustainable blueprint capable of guiding the region’s development over the coming years.

The summit is centred on a proposed 20-year economic, infrastructural and social development plan for the North Central region under the theme, “The Great Leap Forward: A 20-Year Economic, Infrastructural and Social Development Plan for the North Central Region.”