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Minister of Regional Development urges commissions to complete projects and end inter-agency rivalry
via Punch Nigeria2 min read
Abubakar Momoh, the Minister of Regional Development, has instructed regional development commissions to finalize ongoing projects before initiating new ones. Speaking at a two-day sectoral retreat in Benin, Edo State, Momoh emphasized the need to eliminate duplication of efforts and inter-agency rivalry, which he identified as recurring challenges. He reminded commission heads that their establishment by President Bola Tinubu was rooted in a strategic commitment to geo-spatial development, focusing on a multi-sectoral, area-based approach to drive regional economic and social transformation. The minister urged commissions to prioritize critical infrastructure such as roads, bridges, transportation links, and digital infrastructure, alongside investments in healthcare, security, and youth and women empowerment. He also suggested exploring the establishment of centers of excellence. Momoh announced plans for a peer review system among commissions to foster competition and continuous improvement. Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, represented by Deputy Governor Dennis Idahosa, encouraged participants to collaborate to achieve the President's Renewed Hope Agenda.
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