The Federal Government has called on various regional development commissions to develop unified master plans for regional development, similar to the Niger Delta Development Commission. Minister of Regional Development, Abubakar Momoh, made the statement at the NDDC 2026 Partners for Sustainable Development Conference in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. The conference had the theme: ‘Synergy for Transformation: Managing Regional Development, Local Governance and Sustainable Partnership in the Niger Delta’. Momoh emphasized the need for a harmonized regional development compass.
Momoh stated that each development commission should derive its master plan and operational agenda from the National Regional Development Master Plan, in line with the Ministry of Regional Development's mandate. The Federal Government is working on a new policy framework to promote coordinated and inclusive growth nationwide. This framework aims to ensure that regional development initiatives are aligned and effective.
The Minister highlighted the importance of a common view of priorities supported by reliable data, linked to the National Regional Development Master Plan. This, he said, will enable the identification of gaps, sequencing of interventions, and avoidance of concentrating projects in one location while neglecting others. Momoh also clarified that development commissions should establish a master plan that acts as a compass for executing projects.
According to Momoh, the Regional Development Policy Direction requires projects to be prioritized based on strategic impact and aligned with the Renewal Hope agenda of the administration. The policy emphasizes the need for remarkable projects and well-structured opportunities for the private sector and international development partners to invest in various sectors, including infrastructure, agriculture, and renewable energy.
Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma, stressed the need for governors of the nine oil-producing states to partner with NDDC for sustainable development in the region. Uzodinma, represented by his deputy, Mrs Chinyere Ekomaru, said the Imo State Government would continue to support President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. The governor's statement highlights the importance of collaboration for regional development.
Managing Director of the NDDC, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, emphasized the importance of engaging stakeholders to develop strategies for economic growth and development in the Niger Delta region. Ogbuku stated that stakeholder engagement is a cardinal point of the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Tinubu administration. The NDDC MD also announced that the 1.2-kilometre Kaa-Ataba Bridge will be named after President Tinubu.
The conference also saw the unveiling of a new Standard Operating Procedure and Governance Advisory Policies by the NDDC governing board. The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Niger Delta Development Commission, Asuquo Ekpenyong, pledged to strengthen oversight to ensure transparency, efficiency, and timely delivery of projects across the Niger Delta region. The committee's commitment aims to enhance the effectiveness of the NDDC.
Key points
- The Federal Government urges regional development commissions to develop unified master plans for regional development.
- The Minister of Regional Development emphasizes the need for a harmonized regional development compass.
- The NDDC adopts a new Standard Operating Procedure and Governance Advisory Policies.
