Tinubu seeks Senate nod for regional appointees – Full list

DDM News

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has formally requested the Senate to confirm 55 individuals nominated to lead three newly created regional development commissions in Nigeria.

This request was contained in a letter sent to the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, on Thursday, May 8, 2025.

Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) reports that the appointments are for the North Central Development Commission (NCDC), the South-West Development Commission (SWDC), and the South-South Development Commission (SSDC).

These commissions are part of a larger federal initiative aimed at addressing the unique developmental needs of various regions across the country.

According to the letter, 19 individuals have been nominated to serve in the North Central Development Commission.

President Tinubu nominated Cosmas Akiyir as chairman and Cyril Yeltsin as managing director.

For the South-West Development Commission, 18 names were submitted.

The president proposed Senator Olubunmi Adetunbi as chairman and Dr. Charles Akinola as managing director.

Similarly, 18 individuals were nominated to the South-South Development Commission, with Chibudom Nwuche named as chairman and Usoro Offiong Akpabio as managing director.

These appointments are subject to confirmation by the Senate, following screening by the relevant committees.

The screening process is expected to assess the professional background, integrity, regional representation, and overall suitability of the nominees for the responsibilities ahead.

The creation of these commissions followed President Tinubu’s assent to the regional development commission bill in February 2025.

The bill, which was passed by the National Assembly earlier in the year, sought to establish dedicated institutions to manage and promote regional growth and development across Nigeria’s geopolitical zones.

This legislative move was widely seen as a response to increasing demands from various regions for focused developmental attention and greater autonomy in managing local challenges.

Each commission is expected to operate similarly to the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), which was created to address the environmental and infrastructural challenges of the Niger Delta region.

The new commissions are mandated to focus on critical areas including infrastructure, health, education, economic empowerment, environmental sustainability, and conflict resolution.

They are also expected to develop regional master plans that align with national goals while addressing specific local needs.

President Tinubu’s administration has emphasized its commitment to inclusive governance, decentralization, and regional empowerment as key tools for national development.

By establishing these commissions, the government aims to enhance regional participation, reduce feelings of marginalization, and improve service delivery to underserved areas.

Political analysts have welcomed the move as a step toward equitable development, but they also stress the importance of transparency and accountability in the commissions’ operations.

There is widespread expectation that the appointees, once confirmed, will hit the ground running and begin implementing programs to improve the lives of citizens in their respective regions.

As the screening process begins in the Senate, Nigerians across the North Central, South-West, and South-South zones are watching closely to see how the commissions will fulfill their mandates and bring meaningful progress to their regions.

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