Nigeria, UNDP Begin Validation Of Regional Development Policy

Federal Ministry of Regional Development, in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), has commenced nationwide zonal validation workshops to refine Nigeria’s draft National Regional Development Policy for 2026–2030.

In a statement made available by head, Information and Public Relations, Mr Sani Datti, the ministry said the workshops, scheduled across the six geopolitical zones, mark the final phase of consultations on the policy aimed at addressing regional disparities and promoting inclusive growth.

Stakeholders expected to attend the sessions include representatives of federal and state governments, Regional Development Commissions, local government authorities, civil society organisations, the private sector, academia, and traditional institutions.

According to the Ministry, the policy provides a framework to unlock economic potential and ensure balanced development across the country, in alignment with national and international frameworks such as the Medium-Term National Development Plan, Sustainable Development Goals and the African Union Agenda 2063.

Minister of Regional Development, Engr. Abubakar Momoh described the policy as a unifying framework to guide development planning across regions.

He said, “This policy provides the guiding framework for regional development in Nigeria. Each Development Commission is expected to derive its master plan and operational agenda from it, in line with the Ministry’s mandate to coordinate regional development efforts.”

Momoh urged stakeholders to engage with the document critically to ensure it is inclusive and ready for implementation.

On its part, the United Nations Development Programme said its partnership with the Ministry focused on strengthening the policy design and integrating global best practices in governance and implementation.

The Resident Representative of the organisation in Nigeria, Ms Elsie Attafuah, said the policy reflects a shift towards a people-centred development approach.

“The National Regional Development Policy signals a decisive shift towards inclusive development. Through our Integrated Smart States Programme, we are supporting a model that promotes locally driven growth, innovation and sustainable energy,” she said.

She added that the validation process would help consolidate inputs from across the regions and strengthen national development planning.

The Ministry noted that the workshops would generate inputs on key areas, including growth hubs, financing mechanisms, governance structures, gender inclusion, climate resilience, digital transformation, and youth development.

The zonal meetings are scheduled as follows: South East (Enugu) – 11 May; South South (Port Harcourt) – 13 May; North Central (Lafia) – 25 May; South West (Ibadan) – 3 June; North West (Kano) – 8 June; and North East (Maiduguri) – 10 June.

A national consolidation and final validation meeting will be held in Abuja on 24 June 2026, where inputs from the zones will be harmonised before submission to the Federal Executive Council for approval.

The Ministry added that each zonal workshop would produce a communiqué and technical report to support the final policy document.