Vice President Kashim Shettima has praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for establishing regional development commissions, describing the initiative as a bold strategy to unlock the economic strengths of Nigeria’s geopolitical zones and accelerate inclusive national development.
Speaking on Wednesday while receiving the Board and Management of the South West Development Commission (SWDC), led by its Chairman, Senator Olubunmi Adetunmbi, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, Shettima said the commissions represent one of the Tinubu administration’s most significant structural reforms under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
According to the Vice President, President Tinubu deserves commendation for providing the foresight and leadership behind the creation of the commissions, stressing that each region now has a unique opportunity to harness its comparative advantages for national prosperity.
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He, however, warned that the commissions would ultimately be judged by their impact on the lives of ordinary Nigerians rather than the size of their bureaucracies.
“The South West region, with its history of enterprise, innovation, education and industry, has a pivotal role to play in Nigeria’s development journey. Your commission must be known for delivery, not bureaucracy. Nigerians will measure your success by the quality of roads built, jobs created, businesses supported and communities transformed,” Shettima said.
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The Vice President urged the commission to embrace innovation, transparency, accountability and collaboration in implementing its mandate, noting that the Federal Government’s responsibility is to create an enabling environment that attracts private investment and drives sustainable development.
He emphasised that development can only succeed when institutions work together rather than compete, encouraging the SWDC to partner closely with state governments across the South-West, traditional institutions, development partners and the private sector.
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Shettima also called on the commission to establish strong working relationships with other regional development commissions to exchange ideas and adopt best practices capable of transforming Nigeria’s regions.
“Across the world, successful regions are those that invest in innovation, human capital, technology and regional integration. The South-West is well-positioned to lead Nigeria in these areas,” he stated.
The Vice President further insisted that all projects undertaken by the commission must be transparent, measurable and capable of attracting private-sector participation, adding that the Renewed Hope Agenda is focused on translating government policies into tangible improvements in the lives of citizens.
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Earlier, Senator Olubunmi Adetunmbi commended the Tinubu administration for its economic and structural reforms, particularly the establishment of regional development commissions, describing the initiative as a transformative step for regional growth.
He also praised Shettima’s leadership of the National Economic Council (NEC), saying the council has continued to strengthen governance and support impactful development projects across Nigeria’s states.
Adetunmbi briefed the Vice President on the commission’s proposed roadmap, which includes interventions in infrastructure, human capital development and regional economic growth. He disclosed plans to conduct a comprehensive baseline study to guide the commission’s programmes and requested the Vice President’s support in fostering stronger collaboration with state governments through the NEC to prevent duplication of projects and improve service delivery.
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Shettima reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to supporting all regional development commissions, urging them to remain focused on integrity, innovation and measurable results in delivering democratic dividends to Nigerians.
