FG Moves to Harmonise Regional Development Commissions’ Laws

The Federal Government is collaborating with the National Assembly to harmonise the laws establishing regional development commissions across the country to improve coordination and operational efficiency.

The Minister of State for Regional Development, Uba Ahmadu, disclosed this in an interview with journalists in Abuja on Sunday, explaining that the initiative was intended to reduce friction among the commissions and strengthen their ability to deliver on their mandates.

Ahmadu said the commissions shared the broad objective of promoting development but operated under different laws designed to address the particular circumstances and needs of their respective regions.

He explained that the ministry was working towards amendments that would bring the legislation closer together while preserving provisions required to address region-specific challenges.

According to him, the proposed harmonisation would promote collaboration, improve coordination and minimise potential conflicts among the commissions.

The minister noted that the National Assembly was an essential partner in the process because of its constitutional responsibility for lawmaking.

He also disclosed that the Ministry of Regional Development was developing a policy framework to guide development activities and ensure that interventions across the regions were better coordinated.

Ahmadu said consultations had been conducted across the country to obtain contributions from Nigerians and stakeholders representing different regions.

He added that the policy document had been presented to the National Economic Council and was awaiting approval by the Federal Executive Council.

The minister said the ministry’s responsibility included coordinating the activities of the commissions and ensuring that their development programmes responded to the needs and priorities of the people.

The proposed legislative harmonisation forms part of broader efforts by the Federal Government to establish a more coordinated framework for regional development and improve the delivery of projects and services across Nigeria.