President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, to ensure the release of all funds approved for Nigeria’s regional development commissions.

Tinubu gave the directive on Monday at the North Central Development Commission summit, themed “The Great Leap Forward: A 20-Year Economic Infrastructure and Social Development Plan for the North Central Region.” 

The President, who was represented at the event by Akume, said the regional development commissions were established as part of his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda to accelerate development across the country.

He said the government would continue to provide the commissions with the political and financial support required to execute projects capable of unlocking the economic and industrial potential of the regions.

“I therefore direct the Secretary to the Government of the Federation to ensure that all funds accruable to the Commissions are released as and when due,” Tinubu said.

The President specifically mentioned the North Central Development Commission alongside other regional development commissions, stressing the importance of adequate funding to enable them to deliver on their mandates.

The summit focused on a long-term development plan for the North Central region, with emphasis on infrastructure, economic growth and social development.

Tinubu said his administration remained committed to supporting initiatives aimed at driving development across Nigeria’s regions, while urging the commissions to utilise available resources effectively for the benefit of the people.

The directive is expected to strengthen the financial capacity of the regional commissions and accelerate the implementation of development projects in their respective areas.