Shettima sets delivery targets for SWDC on roads, jobs

Vice President Kashim Shettima on Wednesday urged the South-West Development Commission to measure its success not by the volume of its internal processes but by the quality of roads built, jobs created, businesses supported, and communities transformed.

He made the remarks when he received the commission’s management on a courtesy visit to the Aso Rock Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Addressing the delegation led by the board chairman, Olubunmi Adetunmbi, the Vice President explained that the vision behind the creation of new regional development commissions was to unlock and harness the unique strengths of each geopolitical zone for Nigeria’s collective prosperity.

Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications in the Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, revealed details of the engagement in a statement he signed Wednesday.

Shettima said, “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.”

The Vice President emphasised collaboration as central to the commission’s effectiveness, urging it to work closely with state governments across the South-West, traditional institutions, the private sector and development partners, and to avoid treating sister bodies as competitors.

“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. 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 stated.

He urged the commission to be guided throughout its work by integrity, innovation and results. He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s support for every genuine effort that advances regional development and national prosperity.

Earlier, Adetunmbi commended President Bola Tinubu’s administration for its economic and structural reforms, including the creation of the regional development commissions.

He also praised Shettima’s leadership of the National Economic Council for driving tangible governance improvements at the subnational level.

Adetumnbi briefed the Vice President on the commission’s proposed roadmap for interventions in infrastructure and human capital development, and disclosed plans to conduct a baseline study to guide its programme properly.

He also sought his guidance in working harmoniously with state governments through the National Economic Council to avoid duplication of efforts.

Also present were the Managing Director of the commission, Dr Charles Akinola, executive directors and members representing the various states and geopolitical zones on the board.

The South-West Development Commission is one of several regional development bodies established under the Tinubu administration to complement the work of existing commissions such as the Niger Delta Development Commission.