RismadarVoice Reporters
October 11, 2026
The Federal Government of Nigeria has commenced efforts to harmonise the laws establishing regional development commissions across Nigeria, with the aim of strengthening coordination, improving operational efficiency and reducing administrative conflicts.
The Minister of State for Regional Development, Uba Ahmadu, disclosed the initiative during an interview with journalists in Abuja, explaining that the ministry was working closely with the National Assembly to review the legislative frameworks governing the commissions.
Ahmadu said the proposed harmonisation would address differences in the commissions’ establishing laws while preserving provisions necessary to respond to the development challenges peculiar to each region.
According to him, although the commissions share the responsibility of promoting regional development, their operational structures and legal provisions differ because they were established to address distinct regional circumstances.
“The commissions are distinct in various respects. The laws setting them up are also not the same,” the minister said.
He explained that the differences could create difficulties in coordination, making it necessary to establish a more consistent legal framework without undermining the individual mandates of the commissions.
Ahmadu said the ministry was engaging the National Assembly to identify provisions requiring amendment and develop a framework that would promote cooperation, accountability and effective implementation of development programmes.
He emphasised that the exercise was not intended to eliminate the unique responsibilities of the commissions but to ensure greater consistency in their administration and operations.
The minister also disclosed that the Federal Government was developing a comprehensive national policy framework to guide regional development activities.
He said consultations had been conducted across the country to obtain contributions from stakeholders and ensure that the proposed policy reflected the priorities and development needs of different regions.
According to Ahmadu, the policy document has been presented to the National Economic Council and is awaiting consideration and approval by the Federal Executive Council.
He explained that the proposed framework would provide a coordinated approach to regional development planning, project implementation and institutional collaboration.
Ahmadu further stated that the Ministry of Regional Development would continue to provide oversight and coordinate the activities of the commissions to ensure that their programmes deliver meaningful benefits to communities.
He maintained that stronger legislative alignment and a unified policy direction would help the commissions operate more effectively while remaining responsive to their respective regional development priorities.
The proposed amendments will require legislative consideration, while the national policy framework remains subject to Federal Executive Council approval.
