Regional commissions must deliver projects that benefit people – Tinubu

President Bola Tinubu has directed regional development commissions across the country to focus on projects that directly improve the lives of Nigerians, warning against corruption, wasteful spending and the execution of white-elephant projects.

The President gave the charge on Monday while declaring open the first North Central Stakeholders Development Summit, organised by the North Central Development Commission (NCDC) in Abuja.

He was represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume.

Tinubu said the Federal Government would continue to provide political and financial support to the regional commissions but insisted that public funds must be used for projects that deliver real benefits to the people.

“I have directed the Secretary to the Government of the Federation to ensure that funds meant for the commissions are released as and when due. The commissions should also not rely solely on government funding but explore public-private partnerships, donor funding and development financing where permitted by law,” he said.

According to him, the commissions were created under his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda to close development gaps across the country, not to take over the responsibilities of existing levels of government.

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

Tinubu said the commissions should develop practical and fundable programmes that would unlock the economic potential of their regions, with attention to roads, rail, air transportation, industrialisation, security, education, healthcare and human capital development.

He also warned the boards and management of the commissions against corruption, marginalisation, politicisation and ethnic bias in carrying out their duties.

“Such actions will not be tolerated and government will not hesitate to sanction anyone found culpable,” he said.

Speaking on the North Central region, Tinubu said the area had enormous potential in agriculture, solid minerals, industrial development and food production but had operated below its capacity for too long.

He also acknowledged the region’s security challenges.

According to him, the Federal Government had stepped up surveillance, intelligence gathering, deployment of security personnel and prosecution of criminals, while urging the NCDC to support efforts to restore peace.