The appointment of directors to the newly established North-West Development Commission (NWDC) has drawn significant attention, especially with the inclusion of political figures’ relatives in key leadership positions. Among those nominated are Asiya Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, daughter of the current National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and former Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, and the son of former Sokoto State Governor and current Senator, Aliyu Wamakko. The nominations were contained in an official letter jointly signed by Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, Speaker of the House of Representatives, and Senator (Dr.) Barau I. Jibrin, Deputy President of the Senate. The letter, which was addressed to President Bola Tinubu, lists a total of 11 individuals who have been chosen to serve as directors in various departments of the commission, raising questions about merit-based selection and political favoritism.
Asiya Ganduje has been proposed as the Director of Community & Rural Development, a department critical to the NWDC’s mission of fostering social and economic development across the North-West. With many rural areas in the region struggling with inadequate infrastructure, poor access to essential services, and economic hardship, this position is central to ensuring sustainable development that benefits local communities. Similarly, Wamakko’s son has been nominated to lead the Planning, Research, Statistics, and Management Information System Department, a role that involves handling strategic data management, policy evaluation, and statistical reporting. The effectiveness of this department will determine how well the NWDC tracks progress, formulates policies, and ensures accountability in its operations.
Other appointees include Khalil Bako, who has been selected to oversee Administration and Human Resources, a department responsible for recruitment, training, and the general management of personnel. Mustapha Ahmed Ibrahim has been nominated to head the Environmental Protection and Control Department, which is expected to focus on mitigating climate change effects, tackling deforestation, and ensuring environmental sustainability across the region. The Finance & Supply Department will be led by Sanusi Bala Turaki, who will be in charge of managing funds, overseeing procurement processes, and ensuring financial transparency within the commission. Muhammed Kabir Sani will take on the role of Director of Legal Services, a position that requires a strong legal framework to ensure compliance with regulatory guidelines, oversee contract agreements, and provide legal advice on development projects. Malik Anas has been appointed as Director of Solid Minerals & Agriculture, a department that will play a crucial role in harnessing the region’s vast mineral resources and boosting agricultural productivity. With the North-West being a key contributor to Nigeria’s agricultural sector, this department is expected to drive innovation, promote mechanized farming, and create opportunities for local farmers. Alhasan Sidi Suleiman will oversee Commercial & Industrial Development, focusing on promoting investments, supporting small and medium-sized enterprises, and enhancing industrial growth. Ahmed Mohammed has been nominated as the Director of Projects Monitoring and Supervision, which entails tracking project implementation, ensuring adherence to timelines, and preventing resource mismanagement. Garba Aminu has been selected to head the Youths & Women Affairs Development Department, a role that will involve creating programs aimed at empowering young people and women through skill acquisition, entrepreneurship support, and social welfare initiatives.
The letter nominating these individuals expressed deep appreciation to President Tinubu for establishing the North-West Development Commission, emphasizing that the commission is a significant step toward addressing the developmental challenges faced by the region. The document acknowledged the president’s efforts in prioritizing the North-West and expressed optimism that the commission would serve as a catalyst for economic transformation. It further highlighted the need for sustained government support to ensure that the commission meets its objectives and delivers tangible results. The closing remarks of the letter included prayers for President Tinubu’s continued success in governance, stating, “On behalf of the good people of North-West Nigeria, we thank Your Excellency for the establishment of this Commission. May Allah reward Your Excellency for your consistent love for the people of the North-West zone. May Allah continue to guide and protect Your Excellency as you strive to lead our nation to prosperity.”
The creation of the NWDC aligns with the government’s broader strategy to tackle the economic and social challenges affecting the North-West, a region that has faced persistent issues such as insecurity, unemployment, and poor infrastructure. The commission is expected to spearhead major developmental projects, foster economic growth, and implement policies aimed at improving the standard of living in the region. However, the nomination process has sparked debates on governance transparency, with concerns raised about whether the appointments were made based on competence or political affiliations. Critics argue that the selection process reflects a pattern of political favoritism, where individuals with close ties to influential politicians are placed in high-ranking positions, potentially sidelining more qualified candidates.
The controversy surrounding the appointments highlights broader concerns about governance in Nigeria, where political patronage continues to shape leadership positions in key institutions. Public reaction to the nominations has been mixed, with some Nigerians expressing skepticism about the ability of the newly appointed directors to deliver meaningful change. Others believe that the commission presents an opportunity to address the region’s challenges, provided the leadership remains committed to its mission and executes projects with integrity and efficiency. Political analysts have weighed in on the matter, emphasizing that the success of the NWDC will depend on the competence and dedication of its leadership team. They caution that if the commission is perceived as a tool for political appeasement rather than a genuine vehicle for development, it could lose public trust and fail to achieve its intended impact.
The Nigerian government’s approach to regional development commissions has come under scrutiny in the past, with some commissions accused of mismanagement, corruption, and inefficiency. The NWDC must distinguish itself by adopting best practices in governance, ensuring that funds allocated for development projects are properly utilized, and maintaining transparency in its operations. The commission’s leadership must also engage with local communities, stakeholders, and development partners to ensure that its initiatives address real needs and create sustainable impact.
The establishment of the NWDC represents a significant milestone for the North-West, but its success will largely depend on how effectively it is managed. The commission has the potential to drive economic growth, improve infrastructure, and create job opportunities, but only if it operates with professionalism, accountability, and a clear focus on delivering results. The government must ensure that the commission is not hindered by political interference and that its leadership is held to the highest standards of performance. As Nigerians watch closely, the NWDC must prove that it is committed to its mandate and that the appointments made will lead to meaningful development rather than serve as political rewards.
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