By Waziri Isa Adam
A renowned Law Scholar, Regional Integration Law and Policy Consultant, Professor Muhammed Tawfiq Ladan has provided comprehensive framework for the optimization of regional development in Nigeria.
Professor Ladan spoke yesterday during a paper presentation at a 3-day retreat organized by the Ministry of Regional Development in Lagos, for the Management and Boards of the Six Regional Development Commissions.
Prof. Ladan’s paper, titled “Ministry’s Approach Towards Governance Optimization and Effective Supervision of the Commissions Through Robust Monitoring and Evaluation Systems and Peer Review Mechanisms,” highlighted the need for a coordinated development strategy at all levels of governance. According to Prof. Ladan, Nigeria’s regional development has been hindered by unequal access to economic opportunities, social services, and infrastructure development, resulting in stark regional disparities.
He emphasized the importance of effective oversight, monitoring, and evaluation of the implementation of the statutory mandate of existing regional development commissions. Prof. Ladan noted that when properly funded and resources prudently managed for the common good of all, the ministry and its commissions will address unique and specific development challenges and ensure economic competitiveness, and speedy development of the country.
Each region has its own unique challenges ranging from insecurity, poor physical infrastructure, and social amenities, environmental degradation, weak governance structures, among others. The Commissions need to develop regional roadmaps in agriculture, education, youth and gender, economic empowerment, infrastructural development, digital literacy and inclusion, industrialization, and ease of doing business, etc.
To optimize governance and effective supervision of the Regional Development Commissions, Prof. Ladan recommended strengthening policy and institutional frameworks, improving monitoring and evaluation, enhancing financial accountability, promoting transparency and public participation, capacity building, and deploying technology.
The Ministry should strengthen its policy and institutional framework by reviewing and updating enabling policies to clearly define accountability mechanisms between the Ministry and the Commissions. A centralized monitoring and evaluation unit should be established to track projects and programs across the commissions, and implement real-time budget tracking systems linked to the Ministry.
The Ministry’s efforts to optimize governance and effective supervision of the Regional Development Commissions are expected to have a positive impact on the country’s development trajectory.
By addressing the unique challenges facing each region, the Ministry can help ensure economic competitiveness, speedy development, and improved living standards for all Nigerians. Prof. Ladan’s expertise in law and policy has provided valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities facing Nigeria’s regional development.
The Ministry’s commitment to optimizing governance and effective supervision of the Regional Development Commissions is a step in the right direction towards promoting regional development and reducing regional disparities. By working together with the Commissions and other stakeholders, the Ministry can help ensure that Nigeria’s regional development agenda is achieved.
Prof. Ladan’s recommendations are expected to shape the Ministry’s approach to regional development and inform policy decisions that will drive sustainable development in the country. With a coordinated approach and effective governance mechanisms, Nigeria can achieve its regional development goals and ensure sustainable development for all its citizens.