Shettima Urges S’West Commission to Prioritise Delivery Over Bureaucracy

Vice President Kashim Shettima on Wednesday urged the newly inaugurated South-West Development Commission to concentrate on delivering projects that improve people’s lives instead of being weighed down by administrative processes. He gave the advice during a courtesy visit by the commission’s leadership at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

Shettima said the commission was created to unlock the economic and developmental strengths of the South-West and contribute to the country’s overall progress. He said the establishment of regional development commissions was part of the Federal Government’s effort to promote balanced growth across Nigeria’s geopolitical zones.

According to the Vice President, the commission’s success would be judged by the roads it builds, the jobs it creates, the businesses it supports and the impact it makes in communities across the region. He said government programmes must produce visible results that improve the daily lives of citizens rather than remain at the policy level.

He also said every project undertaken by the commission should be transparent, measurable and capable of attracting private investment. Shettima added that the responsibility of government is to create an environment that encourages investors and supports sustainable development.

The Vice President advised the commission to work closely with state governments in the South-West, traditional rulers, private sector organisations and development partners. He also encouraged members to cooperate with other regional development commissions by sharing ideas and successful strategies instead of seeing one another as rivals.

He noted that regions that record lasting growth are those that invest in innovation, education, technology, skilled manpower and stronger regional cooperation. He added that the South-West has the capacity to lead in these areas if the commission remains focused on its mandate.

Shettima further urged the management to carry out its responsibilities with integrity, innovation and accountability. He assured the commission of the Federal Government’s backing in efforts aimed at promoting development and improving the economy.

Earlier, the Chairman of the South-West Development Commission, Senator Olubunmi Adetunmbi, praised the Tinubu administration for introducing economic reforms and establishing regional development commissions. He also commended the Vice President for his leadership of the National Economic Council.

Adetunmbi informed the Vice President that the commission plans to begin with a baseline study that will guide its intervention programmes in infrastructure and human capital development. He also sought support in building strong cooperation with state governments through the National Economic Council to prevent duplication of projects and ensure effective service delivery.

The meeting was attended by the commission’s Managing Director, Dr. Charles Akinola, executive directors and board members representing the states in the South-West region.

The South-West Development Commission is among the regional bodies established by the Federal Government to support development efforts across different parts of the country.