President Bola Tinubu has assented to the bill establishing the North-Central Development Commission (NCDC).
North central was the only region without a regional development agency which drew severe criticisms from people of the region.
The Commissions imply that Nigeria has intensified its efforts to promote regional development by establishing various development commissions aim to address regional disparities and drive economic and infrastructural growth across the country.
Overview of Regional Development Commissions
1. North-Central Development Commission (NCDC) The NCDC was recently established to accelerate the development of Nigeria’s North-Central region. Its primary goal is to promote economic growth and social progress, ensuring the region keeps pace with national development efforts.
2. South West Development Commission (SWDC) Although specific details about the SWDC’s establishment remain unclear, its existence signals the government’s broader strategy to extend targeted development initiatives to the South West.
3. Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) As one of the first regional commissions, the NDDC was created to address socio-economic challenges in the Niger Delta, particularly those linked to oil exploitation. The commission is primarily funded through resources derived from the region, setting a precedent for utilizing local resources to drive regional development.
4. North East Development Commission (NEDC) The NEDC was established to rebuild and develop the North East, which has suffered from prolonged insecurity due to the Boko Haram insurgency. Its focus is on rehabilitating affected communities and restoring economic stability.
5. South East Development Commission (SEDC) Similar to other commissions, the SEDC is expected to drive economic and infrastructural development in the South East. Though details remain limited, its existence aligns with the government’s plan to ensure balanced regional progress.
6. North West Development Commission (NWDC) The NWDC aims to address the developmental and security challenges of the North West region. Its creation underscores the government’s commitment to fostering equal opportunities for growth across all regions.
The establishment of regional development commissions such as the NCDC, SWDC, NDDC, NEDC, SEDC, and NWDC represents a strategic approach to addressing regional disparities in Nigeria. These commissions are tailored to the unique challenges of each region, promoting economic development, infrastructure growth, and social stability. The trend reflects the government’s proactive stance in ensuring equitable national development, with some commissions leveraging local resources for funding.
