Shettima To SWDC: “Deliver Roads, Jobs, Results — Not Bureaucracy”

Vice President Kashim Shettima has said the creation of regional development commissions is aimed at unlocking the unique strengths of Nigeria’s regions to drive the country’s collective prosperity.

The Vice President stated this on Wednesday when he received the management of the South West Development Commission, SWDC, led by its Board Chairman, Senator Olubunmi Adetunmbi, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

He praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the foresight in establishing the commissions, but stressed that the vision must be backed by innovation, collaboration and integrity.

“The Renewed Hope Agenda is about translating policy into tangible improvements in the lives of Nigerians,” Shettima said.

The Vice President charged the SWDC to focus on measurable impact, noting that the South West region has a pivotal role to play given its history of enterprise, education and industry.

“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 disclosed.

He urged the commission to prioritize projects that are transparent, measurable and capable of attracting private investment, adding that government’s role is to create the enabling environment for investments to thrive.

Shettima emphasized that collaboration is key to achieving the mandate of the SWDC and improving livelihoods across the region.

“Across the world, successful regions are those that invest in innovation, human capital, technology and regional integration. The South-West is well-positioned to lead Nigeria in these areas,” he said.

He encouraged the commission to work closely with South West state governments, traditional institutions, the private sector and development partners, and to engage other regional development commissions for peer learning.

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

The Vice President reiterated the Federal Government’s support for every genuine effort that advances regional development and national prosperity, and urged all regional bodies to be guided by integrity, innovation and results.

In his remarks, Senator Adetunmbi commended the Tinubu administration for the economic and structural reforms that led to the creation of regional development commissions.

He also praised the Vice President for his leadership of the National Economic Council, NEC, which he said is driving tangible projects at the sub-national level.

The SWDC Chairman briefed Shettima on the commission’s proposed roadmap focused on infrastructure and human capital development, and disclosed plans to conduct a robust baseline study to guide its programmes.

Present at the meeting were the Managing Director of SWDC, Dr. Charles Akinola, executive directors and board members representing states and geo-political zones in the South West.