Prof Ma’aji meets NEDC MD ahead of N/West Dev’t commission takeoff

The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the newly established North West Development Commission (NWDC), Professor Abdullahi Shehu Ma’aji, has visited the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the North East Development Commission (NEDC), Mohammed G. Alkali, to seek collaboration and support as the new agency prepares for takeoff.

The meeting, held at the NEDC annex in Abuja, focused on experience-sharing and strategic planning to ensure the smooth start of the NWDC, which was established by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu by an act of parliament in 2024 and endorsed by the Senate and House of Representatives.

Both commissions were established to spearhead the reconstruction and development of their respective regions following years of insecurity, including terrorism and banditry.

Speaking during the visit and before they went into a closed-door session,  Prof. Ma’aji emphasised the importance of collaboration, noting that the NEDC, which has been operational for years, has valuable lessons that the NWDC can learn from.

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He stressed that given the similar mandates of both commissions, working together would enhance efficiency and maximise the impact of interventions in the conflict-affected regions.

Prof. Ma’aji said he recognised the strides made by the NEDC in rebuilding communities, rehabilitating displaced persons and fostering economic recovery in the North East.

In response, NEDC MD, Alkali, assured his counterpart of full cooperation and support, saying the commission is ready to provide technical guidance, operational insights, and expertise to help the NWDC succeed.

The NWDC was recently established to address the devastating impact of banditry and other security challenges in the North West. With the NEDC already implementing various reconstruction and development programmes in the North East states, stakeholders believe that a strong partnership between the two commissions will accelerate the recovery and transformation of both regions.