Abubakar Momoh Pioneering Role in Management of Regional Development in Tinubu’s Administration 

By Towncriernews 

May 29, marks a significant milestone (two years)- since President Bola Ahmed Tinubu took over the helm of leadership, succeeding former President Muhammad Buhari.

Having reached the halfway point of his four-year term, it is a prudent time to assess the achievements and shortcomings of President Tinubu’s administration. 

On assuming office, he swiftly appointed a diverse team of ministers intended to breathe life into his ambitious “Renewed Hope Agenda,” the foundational plan on which he campaigned and won the presidency.

To reflect the country’s federal character and maintain the essential balance stipulated by the constitution, ministers were meticulously selected from various states within the federation.

 The minister-designates were appointed in July 2023, confirmed by the Senate and subsequently sworn in  by Mr President in August stepping into roles ladened with promises and responsibilities.

Among the appointees, was Hon. Abubakar Momoh – seasoned engineer, astute politician, and former lawmaker –  who has navigated the legislative waters at the Local Government, state and federal levels.

He was chosen to represent Edo State in the Tinubu’s federal cabinet.

Initially assigned to the newly minted Ministry of Youth Development, Hon. Momoh faced criticism regarding the appropriateness of his portfolio given the demographics of the ministerial role.

Responding swiftly to public sentiment, President Tinubu reassigned him to the Niger Delta Ministry, where he also took on supervisory responsibilities for the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

Hon. Momoh has perhaps, experienced the most frequent transitions within the current cabinet, moving from one ministry to another during this nascent administration. 

In a development that seemed to signal an elevation of his role, he found himself once again in October 2023, when a minor cabinet reshuffle placed him at the forefront of the newly established Ministry of Regional Development.

This innovative ministry absorbed the diverse functions of several development commissions, including the esteemed Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), the North-East Development Commission (NEDC), the South-East Development Commission (SEDC), South-West Development Commission (SWDC) and the North-West Development Commission (NWDC)

The Ministry’s primary mission was clear: to drive sustainable development across Nigeria by efficiently coordinating, overseeing, and supervising these vital development agencies.

Hon Momoh’s Scorecard

To truly assess the performance of the Honourable Minister, it is essential to explore his scorecard through two distinct lenses: the workings of the Ministry and the tangible projects underway.

Hon Momoh has, since his redeployment, quietly yet purposefully laid the groundwork for the newly established Ministry of Regional Development. 

His approach reflects a steadfast commitment to building a robust foundation for this vital institution.

It is noteworthy that the Ministry’s functions are primarily regulatory, which underscores the importance of Hon Momoh’s strategic focus and expertise.

In this context, he has dedicated a substantial portion of his time and energy to several core functions critical to the Ministry’s mission:

– Enhancing Regulatory Frameworks

– Creating robust structures that ensure compliance and effective governance.

– Strengthening Policy Implementation

– Translating policies into actionable plans that make a real impact on the ground.

– Promoting Strategic Collaborations

– Fostering partnerships aimed at boosting socioeconomic growth and development across diverse regions.

Momoh in one of the media functions, provided a candid overview of his stewardship, giving a resounding endorsement to President Tinubu for his audacious moves to revitalise the economy. 

He commended the President’s visionary leadership style, asserting that it has the potential to lead the nation out of adversity, provided it is given the time and resources to take root.

With clarity and conviction, he addressed common misconceptions surrounding his Ministry, particularly dispelling the unfounded rumour that the Niger Delta Development Commission had been dissolved.

On the contrary, he emphasised, the Commission remains vibrant and operational; its statutory responsibilities have simply been incorporated into the broader framework of the Ministry of Regional Development, under his guidance.

Physical Projects

Demonstrating a commitment to action, Hon Momoh articulated the ambitious goals he has set for each of the Development Commissions under his oversight. Close to a year since the Ministry’s inception, he expressed palpable satisfaction at the achievements realised across the regions. Numerous Development Commissions have not only been inaugurated but have also marked significant successes, with several physical projects either commissioned or poised for launch, showcasing a tangible commitment to regional advancement.

Ten Remarkable Achievements – 2023 – 2024

1. Infrastructure

The Ministry triumphantly completed numerous pivotal road projects, most notably the Gberegolor-Ognagbene road in Delta State. This significant infrastructure enhancement not only transformed the landscape but also bolstered transportation efficiency and connectivity throughout the South-South region, weaving communities closer together.

2. Water Supply

A series of ambitious water projects were rolled out, including the installation of motorized boreholes and overhead tanks in various communities across Delta, Imo, and Akwa Ibom. These initiatives markedly improved residents’ access to clean, safe water, bringing life-sustaining resources directly to the heart of underserved areas.

3. Electrification

To light up communities and promote safety, 257 solar streetlights and six transformers were installed. This leap towards rural electrification not only enhanced the vibrancy of the Niger Delta but also provided a sense of security, transforming neighbourhoods once shrouded in darkness.

4. Youth Empowerment

In 2024, over 1000 young individuals engaged in comprehensive training programmes, gained invaluable skills that positioned them for success. Many benefited from generous grants to launch their small and medium enterprises (SMEs), igniting a spirit of entrepreneurship that aims to alleviate unemployment and empower the next generation.

5. Economic Empowerment

In a significant push toward economic empowerment, critical agricultural equipment was distributed to farmers across the Niger Delta. The provision of 81 mechanised tillers with ploughs, water pumps, trailers, 32 fish smoking kilns, and 62 truck tricycles, along with 30 motorbikes, catalysed agricultural production and streamlined the transportation of goods to market.

6. Processing Plants

To bolster agricultural productivity, the Ministry spearheaded the establishment of three mini agro-processing plants—two was dedicated to oil palm in Akwa Ibom and Abia States, and one cassava processing facility in Cross River State. These plants served as beacons of hope, transforming raw produce into valuable commodities.

7. Training

The Ministry also excelled in nurturing future agricultural leaders by training and providing seed capital to 1,144 beneficiaries engaged in diverse agro-enterprises and value chains. This empowerment not only strengthens individual livelihoods but also enhances community resilience.

8. Poverty Alleviation

Many of the Ministry’s initiatives were purposefully designed to combat rural poverty, with a keen focus on uplifting women. For instance in Akwa Ibom alone, over 165 sewing machines, grinding machines, and generating sets were distributed to thoughtfully selected beneficiaries, fostering the growth of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and creating pathways to economic independence.

9. Environmental Protection

In a dynamic response to environmental challenges, the Ministry successfully executed the Emadike Shoreline Protection Project in Bayelsa State. This critical endeavour addressed the issues of coastal erosion and flooding, safeguarding vulnerable communities while restoring the natural beauty of the shoreline.

The Final Berth

The Ministry’s accomplishments are also vivid in Edo State, the home of the Minister. 

From the rejuvenation of the potholed sections of the dilapidated Benin-Auchi expressway to the dazzling installation of solar-powered streetlights, medical outreach initiatives, and training programmes, each of Edo State’s three senatorial districts has reaped the benefits of federal investment and attention.

Indeed, Hon. Momoh has played a pivotal role in channelling President Tinubu’s vision into tangible results.