FG, UNDP Begin Final Nationwide Validation Of Regional Development Policy
By Stella Enenche, Abuja
The Ministry of Regional Development has partnered with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to launch a nationwide series of zonal validation workshops aimed at finalising Nigeria’s National Regional Development Policy (NRDP) 2026–2030.
This was contained in a statement jointly signed by the ministry’s Head , Information and Public Relations Mr. Sani Datti and UNDP’s Public Engagement, Outreach and Partnerships Lead, Ms. Christabel Ginsberg on Wednesday.
The exercise, which spans the six geopolitical zones, represents the last phase of stakeholder consultations before the policy is submitted to the Federal Executive Council for approval.
The workshops will convene participants from federal and state governments, Regional Development Commissions, local government councils, civil society organisations, the private sector, academia, and traditional institutions to review and strengthen the draft framework.
The NRDP is expected to provide a coordinated blueprint for tackling regional imbalances, stimulating economic growth, and promoting inclusive development across the country.
It is aligned with key national and global frameworks, including the Medium-Term National Development Plan (MTNDP), the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and the African Union Agenda 2063.
Minister of Regional Development, Abubakar Momoh, said the policy would serve as a central guide for all regional development efforts in Nigeria.
“The NRDP offers a unified framework from which Development Commissions will derive their master plans and operational priorities. This validation phase is critical to ensure the policy is inclusive, practical, and ready for implementation,” he said.
UNDP, which provided technical support in drafting the policy, said its involvement ensured the integration of international best practices in development planning and governance.
UNDP Nigeria Resident Representative, Elsie G. Attafuah, described the initiative as a major step toward people-centred development.
“This policy signals a transition to a more inclusive and locally driven model of development.
Through our Integrated Smart States Programme, we are supporting systems that link innovation, trade, and sustainable energy to job creation and long-term growth,” she stated.
She added that the zonal validation process would strengthen national ownership and enhance Nigeria’s ability to leverage its regional diversity for collective progress.
The workshops will generate inputs on strategic priorities such as growth corridors, financing mechanisms, governance frameworks, and cross-cutting issues including gender inclusion, climate resilience, digital transformation, and youth development.
The zonal sessions are scheduled to hold in Enugu (May 11), Port Harcourt (May 13), Lafia (May 25), Ibadan (June 3), Kano (June 8), and Maiduguri (June 10), with a final national consolidation and validation meeting slated for June 24 in Abuja.
At the end of the process, reports and communiqués from each zone will be harmonised into a single document to guide the final version of the policy.
