Tinubu Sounds Strong Warning: Regional Commissions Told To End Wasteful Projects

President Bola Tinubu has warned Regional Development Commissions against spending public funds on projects with little or no meaningful impact on Nigerians, declaring that the era of wasteful “white elephant” projects is over.

According to Bush Radio Academy, Tinubu issued the warning on Monday while declaring open the first North Central Stakeholders Development Summit organised by the North Central Development Commission in Abuja.

The President, who was represented at the event by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, stressed that the commissions must ensure that public resources are directed towards projects with clearly defined objectives, sustainable funding plans and measurable benefits for the people.

Tinubu warned that the commissions must not become channels for the misuse of public resources, insisting that officials involved in corruption, political interference, marginalisation or the use of ethnic considerations in project selection and execution would face appropriate sanctions.

He also directed the Federal Government to ensure that funds allocated to the commissions are released when due, while assuring the agencies of continued political and financial support for projects capable of unlocking Nigeria’s economic and industrial potential.

However, the President urged the commissions to look beyond government allocations by attracting private-sector investment, donor funding and development finance to strengthen their capacity and expand the scope of their projects.

Tinubu said the Regional Development Commissions were established under his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda to address persistent development challenges and create greater economic opportunities across the country.

He explained that the creation of the commissions was not an end in itself but part of efforts to identify the reasons behind existing development gaps and implement practical solutions that would improve the lives of citizens.

Speaking specifically about the North Central region, Tinubu identified agriculture, agro-processing, solid minerals, industrialisation, security, education and healthcare as sectors requiring urgent attention.

He urged stakeholders attending the summit to develop a practical and sustainable blueprint capable of guiding the region’s development over the coming years.

The summit is focused on the proposed 20-year economic, infrastructure and social development plan for the North Central region, with the theme, “The Great Leap Forward: A 20-Year Economic, Infrastructural and Social Development Plan for the North Central Region.”

The President’s warning underscores his administration’s push for greater accountability, effective utilisation of public resources and development projects capable of delivering tangible benefits to Nigerians.