Shettima Commends Tinubu’s Regional Development Vision, Charges South West Commission on Performance

Vice President Kashim Shettima has lauded President Bola Tinubu for establishing regional development commissions across the country, saying the initiative is designed to unlock the economic potential of Nigeria’s geopolitical zones and drive inclusive national growth.

He, however, urged the leadership of the South West Development Commission (SWDC) to justify the confidence reposed in them by delivering impactful projects that will improve the lives of people across the region.

Shettima spoke on Wednesday at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, while receiving the Chairman, board members and management of the South West Development Commission, led by Senator Olubunmi Adetunmbi.

The Vice President said the creation of the regional development commissions reflects President Tinubu’s strategic leadership and commitment to balanced national development.

According to him, the commissions were established not as bureaucratic institutions but as development vehicles that must produce visible results.

“The vision behind these regional development commissions is to unlock and harness the unique strengths and opportunities within our various regions for Nigeria’s collective prosperity. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu deserves commendation for this foresight and visionary leadership,” Shettima said.

He stressed that the success of the commissions would be measured by the quality of infrastructure delivered, jobs created, businesses supported and communities transformed.

“The South West region, with its history of enterprise, innovation, education and industry, has a pivotal role to play in Nigeria’s development journey. Your commission must be known for delivery, not bureaucracy. Nigerians will measure your success by the quality of roads built, jobs created, businesses supported and communities transformed,” he stated.

Shettima urged the commission to embrace innovation and strengthen collaboration with state governments, traditional rulers, development partners and the private sector to achieve its mandate.

He also encouraged the commission to share ideas and best practices with other regional development commissions to improve service delivery nationwide.

“Development succeeds when institutions collaborate, not compete. Peer review is very important. Reach out to the other regional development commissions and share ideas that will transform the fortunes of our various regions,” he said.

The Vice President further advised the commission to ensure transparency and accountability in the execution of projects, insisting that government interventions must be measurable and capable of attracting private investment.

“Every project must be transparent, measurable and capable of attracting private investment. Our responsibility as government is to create the enabling environment for investments to thrive,” he added.

Earlier, Chairman of the South West Development Commission, Senator Olubunmi Adetunmbi, commended the Tinubu administration for its economic and structural reforms, describing the establishment of the regional development commissions as a major milestone in Nigeria’s development agenda.

He also praised Shettima’s leadership of the National Economic Council (NEC), saying the council had strengthened cooperation between the Federal Government and sub-national governments.

Adetunmbi disclosed that the commission was developing a comprehensive roadmap covering infrastructure, human capital development and other strategic interventions across the South West.

He said the commission would undertake a baseline study to guide its programmes and ensure resources are deployed effectively.

The SWDC chairman also sought the Vice President’s support in facilitating collaboration with state governments through the National Economic Council to prevent duplication of projects and improve service delivery across the region.

The meeting was attended by the Managing Director of the commission, Dr. Charles Akinola, executive directors and board members representing the South West states.