Tag: Abubakar Momoh

Minister of Regional Development Abubakar Momoh said yesterday that funding for the newly created development commission would be released soon.

Speaking to reporters at the Presidential Villa after a meeting with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the minister explained that funding for the commissions was discussed with the President.

According to him, the development commissions have already adopted a four-phase master plan for rebuilding and linking economic clusters across the regions.

The first phase, according to him,  focuses on security, the second on sustainability and  the third on infrastructure development. 

He said: “It is one of the reasons we met with Mr President. And that issue is being looked into properly. I think, in a very short time, you will hear from us,” he said.

Chairman of the North Central Development Commission (NCDC)  Cosmas Akighir, who spoke on the sidelines, confirmed that the commission’s N140 billion initial annual allocation was yet to be released, posing a major challenge.

“We have an envelope budget of N140 billion, but nothing has been released to us. That is the challenge,” he said, expressing confidence that the meeting with the President would yield positive outcomes.

Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr Samuel Ogbuku, said the prevailing peace in the Niger Delta was the result of community-driven development built on needs assessments and extensive stakeholder engagement.

He noted that virtually every community in the region now has at least one ongoing project.

Ogbuku said street lighting under the Operation Light Up the Niger Delta initiative had minimised criminal activities in previously volatile communities.

Read Also: Tinubu has what it takes to secure Nigeria, says Information Minister

“Some communities were previously overrun by militants because they were completely dark. Today, most are illuminated, making it difficult for criminals to take over,” he said.

Managing Director of the Northeast Development Commission (NEDC), Mohammed   Alkali, said the commission had about four major bridges and nearly 80 roads under construction, particularly in areas recovering from insurgency.

“In the Jere–Borno axis, once badly hit by insurgency, we have opened up about 48 kilometres of roads linking major towns. You can now move across that region in roughly 40 minutes,” Alkali said.

He added that similar infrastructure upgrades would be replicated in other states to support economic recovery.

Momoh  attributed the poor state of many federal roads to long-standing neglect of maintenance, noting that the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) “for more than eight to 10  years was not fully alive to its responsibilities.”

…as Tinubu meets regional devt minister, commissions over insecurity, projects

The federal government has reaffirmed that regional development commissions will work side by side with state governments to tackle insecurity across Nigeria’s geo-political zones, describing the move as central to their core mandate.

“The commissions will work side by side with state governments to address insecurity in their regions. It is part of their core mandate. They are not the chief executives of the states, but they will complement the work of other levels of government,” Minister of Regional Development, Abubakar Momoh, said on Monday while briefing State House correspondents after a high-level meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Momoh said that although the development commissions do not serve as the primary authorities in their various regions, they have been mandated to support both federal and state governments in addressing the rising security challenges, as well as in improving critical infrastructure such as roads.

He added that existing commissions were already involved in regional road development, with similar interventions expected from newly established commissions once they become fully operational.

The Minister cited recent proactive interventions by state governments on federal highways—including repairs on a 10-kilometre stretch of the Benin–Warri Road in Delta State and work along the Sapele–Ogorode corridor in Edo State—as examples of the type of collaboration the Federal Government aims to strengthen.

He attributed the poor state of many federal roads to long-standing neglect of maintenance, noting that the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) “for more than eight to ten years was not fully alive to its responsibilities.”

READ ALSO; Progressive governors laud Tinubu’s security overhaul

According to him, the development commissions have already adopted a four-phase master plan for rebuilding and linking economic clusters across the regions.

The first phase focused on security, the second on sustainability, while the ongoing third phase prioritises infrastructure development to expand market access and drive community renewal.

On the delay in take-off funding for some newly established commissions, Momoh said the matter was part of their discussions with President Tinubu.

“It is one of the reasons we met with Mr. President. And that issue is being looked into properly. I think, in a very short time, you will hear from us,” he said.

Chairman of the North Central Development Commission (NCDC), Barrister Cosmas Akighir, who spoke on the sidelines, confirmed that the commission’s N140 billion initial annual allocation was yet to be released, posing a major challenge.

“We have an envelope budget of N140 billion, but nothing has been released to us. That is the challenge,” he said, expressing confidence that the meeting with the President would yield positive outcomes.

He added that the NCDC had completed a road map for interventions across health, education, infrastructure, and other priority sectors.

Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, said the prevailing peace in the Niger Delta region was the result of community-driven development built on needs assessments and extensive stakeholder engagement.

He noted that virtually every community in the region now has at least one ongoing project, including hard-to-reach riverine areas.

He said street lighting under the Operation Light Up the Niger Delta initiative had disrupted criminal activity in previously volatile communities.

“Some communities were previously overrun by militants because they were completely dark. Today, most are illuminated, making it difficult for criminals to take over,” Ogbuku said.

He explained that project selection now follows a participatory model involving state governments, youth groups, traditional rulers, and other stakeholders, while annual budgets are debated on a state-by-state basis at the Partners for Sustainable Development Conference.

Managing Director of the North East Development Commission (NEDC), Mohammed Goni Alkali, said the commission had about four major bridges and nearly 80 roads under construction, particularly in areas recovering from insurgency.

“For instance, in the Jere–Borno axis, once badly hit by insurgency, we have opened up about 48 kilometres of roads linking major towns. You can now move across that region in roughly 40 minutes,” Alkali said, adding that similar infrastructure upgrades would be replicated in other states to support economic recovery.

The federal government has called on regional development commissions to uphold fairness, equity, and inclusiveness in the distribution of resources, stressing the need to transform Nigeria’s regions into models of resilience and shared prosperity.

Minister of Regional Development, Abubakar Momoh, made the call at the opening of a two-day workshop on the review of the North Central Development Commission (NCDC) policy roadmap, held in Lafia, Nasarawa State.

Momoh highlighted President Bola Tinubu’s directive that development initiatives must extend beyond urban centres to reach every state and community across the country.

“Mr. President has always emphasized that development must not be concentrated only in urban areas; it must spread to every region, every state, and every community. The development commissions were established to serve as vehicles to drive these developments,” he said.

According to a statement issued on Wednesday by Sani Datti, Head of Information and Public Relations at the Ministry, Momoh reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to leveraging each region’s unique strengths — including natural resources, human capital, and local opportunities — to achieve balanced national growth.

“For the North Central region, this is a moment of renewal. This region is blessed with vast agricultural potential, solid minerals, and resilient people, which hold the key to food security for the entire country, not just Nasarawa State,” the Minister was quoted as saying.

READ ALSO; Prof. Amupitan: 10 quick facts about new INEC chairman

The Minister, however, commended the NCDC for developing a roadmap to guide its operations, urging the management to implement it diligently.

He assured the Commission of the Ministry’s support as long as it adheres to due process and transparency.

“Once you are doing the right thing, you have our support; it’s only when you deviate that we will draw back, because it is the Ministry that will be held accountable if things go wrong with the Development Commissions,” he said.

Minister of State for Regional Development, Uba Maigari Ahmadu, also charged the Commission to prioritize accountability, long-term planning, and collaboration with state governments, communities, businesses, and donor partners.

He said the Ministry and the National Assembly would track the utilization of appropriated funds to ensure the Commission remains focused and effective.

“Together, we will deliver on the responsibilities assigned to us by Mr President. In the end, the North Central region and Nigeria will be a better nation we can all be proud of,” Ahmadu stated.

Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Mary Ogbe, identified five strategic pillars for the Commission: policy coherence, evidence-based performance management, local content and ownership, partnership and financing, and sustainability.

She urged the Commission to design a 100-day implementation plan and highlight five key priorities that would ensure equitable development and address injustices that often trigger unrest.

In his remarks, NCDC Managing Director, Dr. Cyril Tsenyil, said the Commission had begun establishing operational structures, engaging stakeholders, and building partnerships since its inauguration in August.

“We have received encouraging goodwill and responses from both local and international organizations willing to work with us,” he said.

He disclosed that the Commission’s technical partner, Spring, has provided experts to guide deliberations on critical thematic areas, including the region’s socio-economic profile, governance, accountability, and peace and security as foundations for sustainable growth.

Declaring the workshop open, Deputy Governor of Nasarawa State, who represented Governor Abdullahi Sule, commended President Tinubu for establishing the NCDC, describing it as timely and necessary.

He urged the Commission to focus on agriculture, solid minerals, youth development, employment generation, and security to deliver lasting solutions for the region’s challenges.

Ogbuku: we will adhere strictly to Tinubu’s directive 

The Minister of Regional Development, Abubakar Momoh, has said that the two-year administration of President Bola Ahmed has brought significant development to the Niger Delta region through the Dr Samuel Ogbuku-led Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

Momoh urged the management and staff of the commission to sustain the momentum and consolidate on the successes recorded by the commission in the past two years.

The minister spoke in an interactive meeting between the ministry, executive management and staff of the commission in Port Harcourt.

He said that the “success of NDDC is the success of the Ministry of Regional Development.”

Momoh said, “In the past two years, significant developments have taken place in the Niger Delta region, and this is because of the hard work of the management and staff of the NDDC. We have come to give you hope and encouragement to do more.”

The minister noted that his working visit along with the Permanent Secretary and Directors of the Ministry was to inspect the ongoing construction of the Kaa-Ataba Bridge linking the Khana Local Government Area to the Andoni Local Government Area of Rivers State.  

He said that he also inspected the construction work at the 3.65km Borokiri-Okrika Road and three bridges at the Okrika Local Government Area of Rivers State and the Niger Delta Regional Hospital, with cardiovascular and orthopaedic sections, in Port Harcourt.

Momoh commended the NDDC for a successful celebration of its 25th anniversary and urged the staff to continue to work with the management to ensure improvement in project and service delivery.

The minister harped on the importance of cooperation and said: “For an organisation to excel, its leadership must show the way, and the people behind them must be ready to cooperate.”

Read Also: Igbo community in Ghana mourns loss of ministers, officials in tragic helicopter crash

Earlier in his remarks, the NDDC Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, said the commission was committed to the presidential mandate to change the narrative in the Niger Delta region.

Ogbuku particularly pledged that the NDDC would adhere strictly to the President’s directive to complete all ongoing regional projects, noting that the performance of the Commission was now a reference point in the country. 

He recalled that in the past, some NDDC employees wished they were transferred to other Federal Government agencies because of poor working conditions. 

But he said that the tide had since changed as many people wanted to identify with the commission.

He said, “Today, we have a new identity, which is one of the key indicators of success and performance. Today, NDDC is one of the best-performing agencies in the country. The difference is good leadership combined with loyal and dedicated staff.”  

In her remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Regional Development, Dr. Mary Ogbe, commended the NDDC staff, describing them as the “engine room of the Commission’s successes” and urged them to continue to give their best for the good of the Niger Delta region.

Speaking on behalf of the Staff, the Chairman of the NDDC Staff Union, John Achoreturi, appealed to the minister to assist the leadership of the commission in the area of securing adequate funding for development projects in the region.

Minister of Regional Development, Abubakar Momoh, yesterday urged the development commissions to work towards a common national objective of equitable and sustainable development that leaves no citizen behind in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda.

He spoke in Lagos at the opening of a three-day ‘retreat on institutional coordination for development’.

Its theme is: “Improving institutional coordination for better development results.”

The participants include the management and staff of the ministry, Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), North East Development Commission (NEDC), South East Development Commission (SEDC) and North West Development Commission (NWDC).

On the tasks before them, the minister said: “Our agenda must prioritise growth, bridges, transportation needs, investments, healthcare delivery, security, digital infrastructure and youth/women empowerment.”

To drive and sustain performance, Momoh stressed that the ministry will introduce a system of peer review among the commissions to foster healthy competition and continuous improvement.

According to him, NEDC, SEDC and NWDC will sign a performance bond with the ministry, with benchmarks and performance indicators against which they will be assessed.

Read Also: Nigerian Bishop bags award in Philippines

He urged the management and staff of the ministry and commissions to operate with the spirit of healthy competition and work in harmony.

“As success is collective, the development of one region contributes to the stability and prosperity of the entire nation,” he said.

Giving insight into why the agencies were created, Momoh said: “The president, in his characteristic wisdom and foresight, has prioritised regional development, planning and implementation by establishing five new regional development commissions, in addition to the two already in existence, each representing the six geo-political zones.

“This bold initiative is anchored on a strategic commitment to development, recognising the need for a multi-sectoral approach to catalyse regional development.”

He said the NEDC is rebuilding infrastructure and restoring hope; the SEDC is expected to catalyse economic growth, industrialisation, infrastructural development and social integration, while the NWDC will focus on restoring stability, enhancing agricultural productivity and rebuilding infrastructure in communities affected by banditry.

He said new projects will commence while existing ones will be completed.

Momoh said the event was an opportunity to reflect on the assignment and strengthen the synergy between the ministry and the commissions with the aim of transforming the regions into “zones of prosperity”.

Minister of State for Regional Development, Uba Maigari Ahmadu, said there is a plan to replicate the 50-bed hospital project in most of the commissions.

He said the new commissions will conduct a needs assessment, adding that new projects will be initiated where necessary, while existing ones will be completed.

According to him, the retreat was to understand each commission’s mandate and share ideas, adding that it will not be another talk shop.

Also at the event were chairmen and managing directors of the commissions.

Members of the Joint Senate and House of Representatives Committee on Regional Development on Tuesday questioned the Minister of Regional Development, Abubakar Momoh, over alleged lopsidedness in the Ministry’s 2024 budget.

The queries were raised when the Minister, accompanied by the Minister of State, Uba Maigari, appeared before the committee to defend the 2024 budget performance and present the 2025 proposal.

Lawmakers pointed out that the Ministry’s budget disproportionately favored Edo State, with 70% of the 2024 projects allocated to the state, to the detriment of other states meant to benefit from its projects.

The committee also criticized the Ministry’s failure to adhere to the federal character principle in the distribution of projects.

During the session, Hon. Matthew Nwogu of the House of Representatives demanded an explanation for the concentration of projects in Edo State.

“Mr. Minister, tell us why most of these 2024 budget projects are situated in Edo State,” Nwogu asked, expressing concern over the exclusion of other states under the Ministry’s purview.

Similarly, another member, Hon. Chinedu Ogar questioned why 70% of the proposed 2025 projects were also allocated to Edo State.

“Honorable Minister, I am happy that you are a product of the National Assembly. However, my constituents are unhappy with this budget because it negates the constitutional principle of federal character. About 70% of your projects are located in Edo State. Why?” Ogar queried.

Read Also: Barron Trump: Meet Trump’s 18-year-old son who played crucial role in winning youth vote

In response to the heated discussions, Chairman of the House Committee on Regional Development, Eugene Okechukwu, called for the matter to be discussed in an executive session, and the committee dissolved into a closed-door meeting with the Minister.

Earlier, the Minister presented the 2024 budget performance, revealing that N20 billion was allocated for the Ministry’s capital budget. 

He said of this amount, N2 billion was earmarked for zonal intervention projects by the House Leader, Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, who is from Edo State.

The Minister said that the Ministry’s total 2025 budget proposal stands at N28.9 billion, comprising N24 billion for capital projects, N2.7 billion for personnel costs, and N1.6 billion for overhead. 

He explained that N2 billion of this amount was also reserved for zonal intervention projects for the House Leader.

He lamented that the funds allocated to the Ministry were insufficient to address the developmental needs of the five regional commissions under its mandate.

“The amount allocated to the Ministry for Regional Development is inadequate to meet the development needs of the regions,” the Minister said. 

He highlighted challenges such as abandoned projects, delays in project completion, and contractor noncompliance due to price variations caused by limited funding.

The Minister detailed the scale of challenges facing the Ministry, noting that projects initially requiring N5 billion for completion now demand up to N70 billion due to inflation and delayed funding.

“When we took over, the first assignment I gave was to assess ongoing projects. It was alarming to find that projects requiring N5 billion or less had escalated to N70 billion. Contractors have since refused to return to sites until their debts are paid,” he said.

He emphasized the need for increased funding to address these challenges and deliver on President Bola Tinubu’s mandate for regional development.

Chairman of the Senate Committee on Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Olajide Ipinsagba, described the transformation of the former Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs into the Ministry of Regional Development as a landmark decision. 

He commended the Federal Government for expanding the Ministry’s mandate to include regional development across the entire country while still prioritizing the Niger Delta.

“This broader scope reflects a commitment to inclusive national development, addressing inequalities, and fostering economic empowerment across all regions,” Ipinsagba stated.

Chairman, House Committee Eugene Okechukwu urged the Ministry to ensure equitable distribution of projects among states and regions, cautioning against favoritism.

“A situation where some states benefit more than others will cause disaffection and undermine the President’s vision for regional development,” he warned.

He commended President Tinubu for creating the Ministry of Regional Development and pledged the support of both Senate and House Committees to ensure the Ministry is adequately funded.

“The only way the Ministry can achieve its mandate is through equitable project distribution and adequate funding. We are here to support you in delivering on your objectives,” Okechukwu concluded.

Niger Delta Development Minister Abubakar Momoh has called on oil companies operating in the Niger Delta to join his ministry in prioritizing peace and harmony in their interactions with host communities.

 At a strategic meeting with the Managing Director of Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) and Country Chairman of Shell Companies in Nigeria, Mr. Osagie Okunbor in his Abuja office, Momoh emphasized the importance of resolving disputes between local communities and oil companies to ensure peace and development in the region.

Momoh said “the Ministry of Niger Delta Development is committed to ensuring peace and progress in the region.

 “We are actively encouraging the resolution of conflicts between communities and the oil companies operating here.

 I urge all oil companies to join us in prioritizing peace and harmony in their interactions with host communities”, the Minister said.

Read Also; Because we dress our bandits as urban legends

 The meeting, also addressed issues critical to Nigeria and Shell, including the development of the Niger Delta, environmental performance, and the persistent challenge of crude oil theft.

 Momoh acknowledged the government’s ongoing efforts to combat oil theft, a significant issue affecting the region’s stability and economic prospects.

 He highlighted initiatives aimed at resolving disputes between local communities and oil companies, ensuring that development projects are carried out efficiently and sustainably. Mr. Okunbor clarified that Shell remains committed to Nigeria, explaining that the company is refocusing its investments towards deep-water and gas projects, with significant new investments planned for these sectors. “Shell is not leaving Nigeria,” Okunbor assured the minister, adding “we are realigning our investment strategy to concentrate on deep-water and gas. Shell will continue to collaborate with the Ministry of Niger Delta Development to foster peace and development in the communities where we operate.”

 The meeting concluded with a mutual commitment to strengthen collaboration for the benefit of the Niger Delta.