The absence of state governors generated controversy on Saturday as the North-West Development Commission (NWDC) convened its first stakeholders’ development summit in Kaduna State.
The summit, held in Kaduna, brought together senior government officials, development partners and key regional stakeholders to deliberate on strategies for achieving sustainable development in the North-West region.
However, none of the seven governors from the North-West states attended the summit in person. Instead, the governors were represented by their deputies, Secretaries to State Governments and commissioners.
The development drew concern and criticism from some participants, who questioned the commitment of political leaders to the development agenda of the region.
Speaking to journalists, the acting Chairman of the Northern Reconciliation Group, Dr. Hakeem Baba Ahmed, expressed disappointment over the absence of governors, traditional rulers and religious leaders at the summit.
“It is unfortunate that such an important meeting, which concerns the future of the North-West, did not attract the personal presence of governors, traditional rulers and religious leaders,” Baba Ahmed said.
He also raised concerns that, despite two years since the establishment of the commission, there was little to show in terms of tangible development outcomes for the region.
“Two years after the commission was created, the people are yet to feel its impact,” he added.
Discussions at the summit focused on key challenges confronting the North-West, including infrastructure deficits, insecurity, agriculture, climate change, economic development, education and healthcare.
Reacting to the controversy, Chairman of the Senate Committee on North-West Development, Senator Babangida Hussaini, dismissed concerns over the governors’ absence, describing it as not unusual.
“There is no cause for concern. Each governor duly sent a representative who conveyed their positions and commitments,” the senator said.
He noted that the summit was successfully conducted and achieved its objectives, adding that the presence of official representatives was sufficient for effective engagement.
Senator Hussaini also explained the factors responsible for the delay in implementing major development projects, despite the commission having been established two years ago.
“Despite the commission being in existence for two years, the lack of adequate funding has hindered the execution of major development projects in the region,” he said.
