South-East: FG moves to tackle regional development gaps through NRDP

The Federal Government says it is committed to addressing long-standing regional imbalances and development gaps through the National Regional Development Policy (NRDP) 2026–2030.

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Regional Development, Dr Mary Ogbe, made this known on Monday in Enugu during the South-East Regional Technical Validation Workshop on the draft policy document. The meeting brought together professional bodies, civil society organisations and pressure groups from the five South-East states of Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo.

Dr Ogbe said the workshop provided an opportunity to review and validate the draft policy, which she described as reflecting the collective aspirations of Nigerians across all geopolitical zones.

She said Nigeria’s development challenges had been marked by deep structural inequalities in infrastructure, human capital, access to economic opportunities and public services.

“These disparities are not merely statistical observations; they are realities that affect the dignity, livelihoods, and futures of our citizens,” she said.

She added that the National Regional Development Policy (NRDP) 2026–2030 is the government’s strategic response to these challenges.

“It is a blueprint designed to promote balanced, inclusive, and sustainable development across all regions of our federation,” Dr Ogbe said.

“The policy sets out clear pillars, enabling frameworks, financing mechanisms, and institutional coordination structures that, if faithfully implemented, will transform the trajectory of development across Nigeria.”

She further noted that the draft policy was developed through extensive consultations with states, technical agencies, regional development institutions, civil society organisations, development partners, including the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and subject matter experts.

Dr Ogbe expressed optimism that the document would be validated and moved into full implementation before the end of the year.

The Resident Representative of the UNDP, Ms Elsie Attafuah, said the organisation provided technical support in the development of the policy, describing it as a key instrument for national development.

Ms Attafuah, who was represented by Technical Adviser Matthew Alao, said UNDP would continue to support government efforts aimed at strengthening human capital development and improving infrastructure delivery.

“UNDP will continue to support government, ministries, departments and agencies to ensure uplift of human capital, infrastructural as well as coordinated and sustainable development,” she said.

Also speaking, the Managing Director of the South East Development Commission (SEDC), Mr Mark Okoye, commended the ministry and technical team for producing what he described as an evidence-based and forward-looking document.

Mr Okoye, who was represented by the Executive Director of Finance and Administration, Chief Stanley Ohajuruka, said three key areas stood out from the South-East perspective.

“First, the emphasis on regional growth poles; the policy’s recognition of Aba, Onitsha, and Enugu as a commercial and industrial corridor aligns with our own regional development plan,” he said.

“Second, the integration of climate adaptation: erosion control and watershed management are not environmental niceties for the South East; they are existential.”

“Third, the policy focus on data and results. It is gratifying that what gets measured gets done,” he added.