NCDC GOVERNING BOARD ATTENDS RETREAT FOR REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT COMMISSIONS IN BENIN

The Governing Board and Management of the North Central Development Commission (NCDC) are participating in a three-day retreat for Regional Development Commissions taking place in Benin, Edo State. The NCDC delegation is led by the Chairman of the Commission, Barr Cosmas Akighir, and the Managing Director/CEO, Dr Cyril Yiltsen Tsenyil.

The retreat is organized by the Federal Ministry of Regional Development with the theme "Generating Fresh Ideas to unlock the potentials of the regions". Speaking at the event, the Minister of Regional Development, Engr Abubakar Momoh, said the retreat is part of ongoing efforts to provide a solid foundation for the Commissions to effectively deliver on the mandate of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

He urged participants to reflect deeply on their responsibilities and strengthen collaboration with the Ministry to enhance performance. The Minister emphasized the need for the Commissions to make measurable impact while avoiding duplication, waste, and unnecessary administrative rivalry.

Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr Mary Ogbe, noted that the retreat brings together seasoned government officials to share insights on key areas critical to the success of the Commissions. She added that older Commissions will share their experiences with newer ones, while the National Regional Development Policy is expected to be validated during the retreat.

Declaring the retreat open, Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, commended President Tinubu for establishing the Regional Development Commissions. He urged them to work diligently towards unlocking the economic potential of their respective regions for sustainable growth and prosperity.

Chairmen of the Senate and House Committees on Regional Development described the retreat as a vital platform for stakeholders to deliberate on strategies that will enhance the effectiveness of the Commissions. The retreat features presentations from notable experts, including Engr Emeka Eze, former Director-General of the Bureau of Public Procurement, who spoke on public procurement procedures and thresholds; Prof Tunji Olaopa, Chairman of the Federal Civil Service Commission, who addressed institutional frameworks in the public service; Dr Sam Amadi on Nigeria’s regional development experience; Mr Olusegun Adekunle on corporate governance; Senator Ita Enang on intergovernmental relations with the Ministry and National Assembly; and Dr Abdullahi Usman Bello, Chairman of the Code of Conduct Bureau, Conflict of Interest, Abuse of office and Asset declaration.

North Central Development Commission (NCDC) Media Department 15th April 2026.