Admin I Sunday, April 18.2026
BENIN CITY – In a landmark move to reshape the infrastructure landscape of Nigeria’s developing regions, the Ministry of Regional Development and the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) have pledged a new era of synergy to bridge long-standing development gaps.
The resolution followed a high-powered, three-day retreat in Benin, Edo State, chaired by the Minister of Regional Development, Engr. Abubakar Momoh. The gathering brought together the nation’s top developmental architects, including NDDC Governing Board Chairman Mr. Chiedu Ebie and Managing Director Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, to tackle the “ghost project” syndrome that has historically plagued regional progress.
A Blueprint for Accountability
The retreat concluded with a decisive communique outlining a shift toward “performance-based” governance. Key highlights from the resolution include:
Performance Bonds: Commission leaders will sign formal bonds to ensure the delivery of tangible projects aimed at poverty reduction.
The “Renewed Hope” Alignment: Infrastructure investments will now be strictly prioritized based on their strategic alignment with the national “Renewed Hope Agenda.”
Legislative Overhaul: A review of the Commissions’ Establishment Acts is underway to close legal loopholes and strengthen institutional performance.
The TSA Protocol: Strict adherence to Treasury Single Account (TSA) regulations was mandated to ensure financial transparency.
Unlocking Regional Potential
Mr. Victor Ewache, Director of Planning and Research, emphasized that the ministry is looking beyond domestic borders to fuel growth. Plans are in motion to leverage international partnerships, such as the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), to unlock fresh funding streams.
“We are generating fresh ideas to unlock the potentials of our regions,” Ewache stated, noting the unveiling of a draft National Policy on Regional Development designed to standardize growth across the country
Minister Momoh described the deliberations as “robust,” stressing that the quality of expert contributions made the strict adherence to establishment mandates non-negotiable.
The retreat ended on a high note for the ministry’s leadership. The Association of Edo Youths for Peace honored both Engr. Momoh and Dr. Samuel Ogbuku with awards for “outstanding development and impact.” Dr. Aminu Imafidor, Chairman of the youth association, lauded the pair as “transformational leaders” capable of steering the regions toward a more stable and prosperous future.