President Bola Tinubu has ordered the prompt disbursement of funds to six Regional Development Commissions, saying the agencies must receive “political and financial backing” to carry out projects meant to unlock regional economic potential.
Speaking at the North Central Development Commission (NCDC) summit, President Tinubu represented at the event by Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume directed that “all funds accruable to the commissions are released as and when due.”
The summit centered on a 20‑year economic and infrastructure plan for the North Central region titled “The Great Leap Forward.”
The President described the commissions as instruments of his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, charged with accelerating growth through investments in transport, industrialization, security, human capital and health.
He cautioned, however, that the bodies should not depend solely on federal allocations and urged them to pursue public‑private partnerships, donor support and development finance to fund large projects.
“Such actions will not be tolerated,” Tinubu warned, addressing the boards and management of the commissions.
He said the federal government would punish officials found guilty of corruption, politicization or misuse of resources.
President Tinubu also sought to allay concerns that the new regional agencies would supplant state and local governments or duplicate federal institutions, saying the commissions were intended to complement existing authorities and to support stability as a foundation for development.
At the summit, Abdullahi Sule, Governor of Nasarawa State and chairman of the North Central Governors’ Forum, highlighted the region’s agricultural and mineral endowments and pushed for value addition through local processing.
He cited a new cement plant in Kogi State and lithium processing facilities in Nasarawa as examples of how local industrial capacity can transform raw‑material extraction into higher‑value economic activity.
“When you are mining in North Central, you must also process in North Central,” Mr. Sule said, urging long‑term planning and leadership to translate resources into jobs and growth. He praised the Tinubu government’s fiscal reforms, saying they had increased revenue flows to federal, state and local governments and reduced reliance on borrowing to pay salaries.
Cyril Tsenyil, chief executive of the North Central Development Commission, described the commission’s mandate as coordinating regional development and mobilizing partnerships rather than replacing state governments.
He said the commission’s 20‑year plan will prioritize economic corridors, processing of agricultural and mineral resources, infrastructure upgrades and youth employment, aiming to position the region as one of Africa’s most competitive agricultural areas.
