The Federal Ministry of Regional Development in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme, UNDP, is set to commence zonal technical validation workshops across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones for the draft National Regional Development Policy twenty twenty-six to twenty thirty.
The workshops, scheduled to begin Monday in Enugu, mark the final nationwide consultation phase aimed at refining the policy framework designed to address regional disparities, unlock economic potential, and promote inclusive national development.
Stakeholders expected at the engagements include representatives of federal and state governments, Regional Development Commissions, local government authorities, civil society organisations, the private sector, academia, and traditional institutions.
The Minister of Regional Development, Engineer Abubakar Momoh, says the policy will serve as a guiding framework for regional development efforts across the country, noting that each Development Commission is expected to align its master plan and operations with the document.
UNDP Nigeria Resident Representative, Elsie Attafuah, describes the initiative as a people-centred and inclusive approach to development, adding that the partnership will strengthen regional growth through trade, digital innovation, and sustainable energy.
The workshops will hold across the six geopolitical zones between May and June, with the national consolidation and final validation event scheduled for June twenty-four in Abuja.
The final document is expected to be submitted to the Federal Executive Council for approval after inputs from across the country are harmonised.
Editor: Ebuwa Omo-Osagie
