FG rolls out five-year policy framework for regional development commissions

The Federal Government has unveiled a five-year National Regional Development Policy designed to provide a unified operational framework for regional development commissions across the country.

Minister of Regional Development, Abubakar Momoh, announced the initiative on Thursday after briefing the National Economic Council (NEC) at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

According to the minister, the policy is intended to guide the activities of the regional development commissions established by the government and ensure a coordinated approach to regional growth and development.

Momoh said the need for the policy became evident following the establishment of the first set of regional development commissions in February 2025 and a second batch in August of the same year.

He explained that despite the ministry’s engagements with stakeholders and development partners, it had operated without a formal policy document outlining its mandate and strategic direction.

“The ministry did not previously have a policy framework to guide its operations. As engagements with international organisations and development partners increased, the absence of such a document became more apparent because many of them requested a policy framework that was unavailable at the time,” he said.

The minister noted that efforts to develop the policy commenced after the ministry had clearly defined its objectives and operational focus.

He disclosed that the policy was prepared with technical support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), while a committee chaired by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary coordinated the drafting process.

To ensure inclusiveness and national ownership, the ministry conducted extensive consultations and validation exercises across the six geopolitical zones before finalising the document.

Momoh described the presentation before the National Economic Council as a major milestone in the approval process, adding that the policy would next be forwarded to the Federal Executive Council (FEC) for final consideration and approval.

He said members of the council generally welcomed the initiative, although some governors expressed concerns regarding the constitutional basis of the regional development commissions.

Responding to the concerns, the minister maintained that the commissions were legally established institutions created through Acts of the National Assembly and subsequently constituted by the President.

“These commissions have a solid legal foundation. Any legislation that passes through the National Assembly and receives presidential assent undergoes rigorous scrutiny and reflects broad national consensus,” he stated.

The National Regional Development Policy is expected to serve as a blueprint for promoting balanced development, improving coordination among regional agencies and strengthening partnerships with local and international stakeholders in the implementation of development programmes nationwide.