In a move that underscores the power of constructive criticism, the Tinubu administration has taken a significant step towards addressing regional disparities by establishing the North Central Regional Commission. This development comes on the heels of a pointed observation by Peter Obi, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to bridge the development gap in the region. According to Dr Moses Paul, leader of the Forum of Nigeria’s Middle Belt (FNM), the creation of the commission is a testament to the government’s willingness to listen and act on constructive feedback, marking a crucial milestone in the quest for inclusive growth and regional development.

The Convener of the Free Nigeria Movement and an ardent Obedient Dr Moses Paul has observed how the Tinubu Government quickly created the North Central Regional Commission after a critique from the former Labour Party Presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections.

Mr Peter Obi had in recent weeks criticised the exclusion of this commission from the 2025 proposed budget, though the commission had not existed.

In a post shared on X, the FNM Converner observed how the former Labour Party Presidential ‘faced unwarranted criticism and was subjected to unprintable names’.

https://twitter.com/Drmopaul/status/1886797676580417931?s=19

He, however, supported Obi’s Observation that it was valid and timely. He emphasized that the omission of the North Central Regional Commission from the N2.493 trillion allocated to five other regional development commissions was deeply troubling and called for an urgent reversal. He pointed out that such an anomaly does not promote even development and peace, which are essential for the country’s progress

He wrote

Mr. @PeterObi’s concerns were valid and timely. He emphasized that the omission of the North Central Regional Commission from the N2.493 trillion allocated to five other regional development commissions was deeply troubling and called for an urgent reversal. He pointed out that such an anomaly does not promote even development and peace, which are essential for the country’s progress. The North Central region, known as Nigeria’s agricultural backbone, has been severely affected by relentless terror attacks and banditry, leading to immense suffering and displacement of countless families into internally displaced persons (IDP) camps. Mr. @PeterObi urged the government and the National Assembly to review and rectify this decision to ensure inclusive and equitable development across all regions.

In response to these valid concerns, President Tinubu has taken a commendable step by signing the bill establishing the North Central Development Commission. This move acknowledges the unique challenges faced by the North Central region and aims to provide the necessary support to enhance security, stability, and development for the benefit of the entire country.

Today, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu signed the North Central Development Commission bill into Law

Senate President Godswill Akpabio announced the signing of the bill today during a session in the Senate chamber.

He said: “Let me also inform my colleagues that Mr. President has also assented to North-Central Development Commission establishment bill 2024, in order to bring development to the grassroot.

“And for this we congratulate, the good people of the North-Central region of Nigeria, and we wish them more development and particularly peace, as we forge ahead in the task of nation building.”

Dr. Moses Paul lauded the president for taking the initiative, calling his efforts a commendable step by signing the bill establishing the North Central Development Commission. This move acknowledges the unique challenges faced by the North Central region and aims to provide the necessary support to enhance security, stability, and development for the benefit of the entire country.