Regional Development Commissions Pledge Stronger Collaboration As Benin Retreat Ends.

Members.

The Regional Development Retreat for Development Commissions, organised by the Ministry of Regional Development, has concluded in Benin City Edo State with a strong resolution urging Commissions to work in synergy with all stakeholders to bridge development gaps across their regions and the nation at large.

On the final day of the retreat, which was attended by the Chairman of the North Central Development Commission (NCDC), Barr. Cosmas Akighir; the Managing Director/CEO, Dr. Cyril Yiltsen Tsenyil; and other Governing Board members, the Minister of Regional Development, Engr. Abubakar Momoh, described the deliberations as robust and focused on strategic areas critical to enhancing the performance of the Regional Development Commissions in line with their mandates.

He emphasised that, given the quality of expert contributions at the retreat, it was imperative for all Commissions to strictly adhere to the provisions of their establishment Acts.

The Minister further disclosed that steps would be taken to review the establishment Acts of the Commissions in order to address identified gaps and strengthen institutional performance. 

He also revealed that a performance bond would soon be signed by the leadership of the various Commissions to ensure effective service delivery and accountability.

In her presentation, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Mary Ogbe, unveiled the draft National Policy on Regional Development, which aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. 

She noted that the policy would continue to undergo stakeholder review before its final presentation to the Federal Executive Council for approval.

Key papers presented at the retreat included “Leveraging International Development Partners for Funding” by the UNDP Resident Representative, Ms. Elsie Attafuah; “Accountability and Compliance with Financial Regulations in the Public Service and Treasury Single Account (TSA)” by the Accountant-General of the Federation, Mr. Shamsudeen Ogunjimi; as well as experience-sharing sessions by the Managing Director of the NDDC, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, and his NEDC counterpart, Dr. Mohammed Goni Alkali.

The communiqué of the retreat, presented by the Director of Planning and Research, Mr. Victor Ewache, outlined additional resolutions and key action points agreed upon by participants.