The Federal Government, on Monday, said it has achieved a near-equal distribution of capital projects across the country, with the North receiving 52 per cent and the South 48 per cent, in line with the Federal Character principle.
This was disclosed after the government inaugurated the Governing Boards and Management Teams of the South-South, South-West, and North-Central Development Commissions in Abuja, charging them to deliver people-oriented projects under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Speaking at the inauguration, Minister of Regional Development, Engr. Abubakar Momoh, urged the boards to prioritise transparency, fairness, and inclusiveness while collaborating with state governments, the private sector, and other stakeholders to fast-track regional growth.
He noted that the ministry had already signed a performance bond with the President and would soon require the boards to sign similar commitments to guarantee accountability.
He emphasised that their performance would be tied to presidential deliverables, with each board required to sign a performance bond to ensure accountability.
He said: “Your role isn’t just about distributing funds or managing projects; it’s about rebuilding trust in governance by delivering results that truly improve lives. You need to ensure responsibility, careful planning, and inclusiveness in decision-making.”
In his remark, Minister of State for Regional Development, Uba Maigari Ahmadu, described the creation of the commissions as a strategic step by President Tinubu to close developmental gaps, leverage regional advantages and spur economic diversification.
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Dr. Mary Ada Ogbe, praised President Tinubu’s vision and reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to implementing his development agenda.
She noted that while four other commissions (NDDC, NEDC, SEDC, and NWDC) were already operational, the inauguration formally handed responsibility to the three new regional bodies.
Meanwhile, Acting Executive Chairman of the Federal Character Commission (FCC), Hon. Kayode Oladele, commended the federal government for adhering to fairness in project allocation nationwide.
He said the distribution aligns with Section 14(3) of the 1999 Constitution, which mandates the equitable spread of socio-economic amenities.
Oladele highlighted signature projects, such as the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, the Badagry–Sokoto Superhighway, and the rehabilitation of the Eastern rail corridor, noting that such initiatives promote national integration.
In a statement, FCC Director Public Affairs and Communication, Chizea Christopher Chukwudi, said: “The data provided by the Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation shows that all six geopolitical regions are currently receiving significant federal government attention in the design and execution of critical infrastructure, from roads and rail projects to healthcare and energy facilities.
“This balanced approach is further demonstrated by the establishment of regional development commissions and the near-equal share of projects between the North (52 per cent) and the South (48 per cent).”
