Get Guardian on GoogleThe Ministry of Regional Development has unveiled the revised Quarterly Reporting Template by introducing the Regional Development Commissions (RDC) Quarterly Reports Application and has commenced a capacity-building training programme for desk officers from the seven Regional Development Commissions.
The training is expected to equip participants with the practical skills required to complete the revised reporting template accurately, reconcile financial information, provide credible supporting evidence, and effectively utilise the newly introduced digital application.
The initiative underscores the Ministry of Regional Development’s commitment to strengthening institutional capacity, promoting transparency and accountability, and ensuring effective monitoring and evaluation of development projects and programmes across Nigeria’s regions.
Speaking during the training in Abuja, the Permanent Secretary, Dr Mary Ogbe, emphasised the importance of accurate, timely and transparent reporting in strengthening institutional accountability and monitoring the performance of the Regional Development Commissions.
Ogbe also noted that the Ministry submits quarterly performance reports to the Central Results Delivery Coordination Unit (CRCDU) of the Office of the Special Adviser to the President on Policy and Coordination, highlighting the Commissions’ contributions to implementing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda across the regions.
She further explained that the revised reporting template was developed to address recurring challenges associated with previous submissions, including inconsistencies in reporting formats, incomplete financial information, inadequate supporting evidence and delays in submission.
According to her, the revised template harmonises the CRCDU reporting requirements with the Commission’s quarterly performance templates and the Harmonised Performance Bond Matrix, thereby ensuring consistency, accuracy and alignment with the Presidential Reporting Blueprint.
The Permanent Secretary hinted that the revised template now provides for comprehensive reporting on project and programme implementation, like appropriated funds, contract sums, releases, expenditure, physical progress, percentage of completion, challenges and recommendations, alongside verifiable supporting documents such as geotagged photographs, letters of award and completion certificates.
“A major highlight of the initiative is the introduction of the RDC Quarterly Reports App, a digital platform designed to simplify the reporting process, enhance data accuracy and improve the timely submission of quarterly reports by the Commissions.”
Ogbe explained that the application will enable each Commission to prepare and submit its reports online, validate financial figures, upload supporting evidence and transmit submissions securely using individual submission keys.
She therefore added that the platform will also enable the Ministry to consolidate submissions into a unified report and provide the Ministers and the Permanent Secretary with access to a live dashboard to monitor submission status.
Similarly,the Permanent Secretary charged the participating desk officers to take full advantage of the training and ensure that the knowledge acquired translates into improved reporting practices within their respective Commissions.
She stressed the need for accurate financial reconciliation, credible project documentation, strict adherence to reporting deadlines and effective communication between the Commissions and the Ministry.
“The first quarterly returns under the new reporting arrangement would cover the fourth quarter of 2026. The desk officers to safeguard their respective submission keys and share the knowledge acquired with their management and colleagues.”
He reiterated that effective reporting goes beyond routine administrative documentation, describing it as a critical instrument for demonstrating the value of public resources, strengthening government decision-making, promoting accountability and showcasing the developmental impact of the Regional Development Commissions across the country.
