RismadarVoice Reporters
July 29, 2026
Vice President Kashim Shettima has hailed President Bola Tinubu for establishing regional development commissions across the country, describing the initiative as a bold step towards unlocking the economic potential of Nigeria’s regions and accelerating national development.
Shettima made the remarks on Wednesday while receiving the Board and Management of the South West Development Commission (SWDC), led by its Chairman, Senator Olubunmi Adetunmbi, during a courtesy visit to the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
He said President Tinubu’s decision to create the commissions reflected visionary leadership aimed at harnessing the unique strengths of each region for Nigeria’s collective prosperity.
The Vice President, however, urged the leadership of the South West Development Commission to prioritise results over bureaucracy, stressing that Nigerians would judge the commission by the quality of infrastructure delivered, jobs created, businesses supported and communities transformed.
He emphasised that the Renewed Hope Agenda was focused on translating government policies into tangible improvements in the lives of citizens through innovation, accountability and effective service delivery.
Shettima also called for close collaboration between the commission, state governments, traditional institutions, the private sector and development partners, noting that sustainable development thrives on cooperation rather than competition.
He further urged the commission to exchange ideas with other regional development commissions and ensure that all projects were transparent, measurable and capable of attracting private sector investment.
Earlier, Chairman of the SWDC Board, Senator Olubunmi Adetunmbi, commended the Tinubu administration for its economic and structural reforms, particularly the establishment of regional development commissions.
He also praised the Vice President’s leadership of the National Economic Council, describing it as instrumental in driving development initiatives across the states.
Adetunmbi briefed the Vice President on the commission’s proposed intervention plans in infrastructure and human capital development, disclosing that it would undertake a comprehensive baseline study to guide its programmes.
He also sought the support of the Vice President and the National Economic Council in promoting coordination with state governments to avoid duplication of projects and improve service delivery across the South-West region.
