FG SEEKS COORDINATED PLANNING FOR REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT

The Federal Government has called on Nigeria’s regional development commissions to prepare master plans that can be harmonised under a national framework for coordinated development across the country.

The Minister of Regional Development, Abubakar Momoh, made the call at the 2026 Partners for Sustainable Development Conference organised by the Niger Delta Development Commission in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

Momoh said each regional commission should develop its own master plan and operational agenda in line with the mandate of the Ministry of Regional Development. He explained that the plans would help identify development gaps, prioritise interventions and reduce duplication of projects across regions.

The minister said the Federal Government was working to harmonise regional development initiatives through a new policy framework designed to promote coordinated and inclusive growth.

He added that development projects should be selected based on their strategic impact and should create opportunities for private sector and international development partners to invest in areas such as infrastructure, agriculture, renewable energy, transport, manufacturing and digital services.

Momoh also said approved master plans would require the ministry’s oversight before receiving Federal Executive Council backing.

The Federal Government’s approach is expected to provide a common direction for the country’s regional development commissions while allowing them to address specific needs within their respective regions.