11th February, 2024 - Abuja, Nigeria

“Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed guests, and fellow citizens of the North-West region,

I am deeply honored to stand before you today as the Managing Director of the North West Development Commission (NWDC). I am humbled by the trust reposed on us by the President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, Federal Republic of Nigeria to lead this agency.

Today marks a new chapter in our collective journey towards the development and transformation of the North West region. As we gather here, we are reminded of the immense challenges that our region faces, from Poverty, Education, Healthcare  Agricultural Development, Water, Energy and Inequality to Infrastructure Deficits and Environmental Degradation.

However, we are also reminded of the vast opportunities that lie before us. Our region is blessed with an abundance of natural resources, a rich cultural heritage, and a resilient people.

As the Managing Director of this agency, I pledge to work tirelessly to harness these opportunities and address the challenges that we face. Our agency's mandate is clear: to promote economic growth and development, improve infrastructure, and enhance the quality of life for our citizens.

To achieve this mandate, we will focus on several key areas. First, we will prioritize infrastructure development, including roads, bridges, and energy. We will work with our partners to attract investments and implement projects that will improve the lives of our citizens.

Second, we will promote economic growth and development by supporting entrepreneurship, innovation, and job creation. We will work with the private sector, academia, and other stakeholders to identify opportunities and develop strategies for growth.

Third, we will invest in human capital development, including education, healthcare, and skills training. We will work with our partners to improve access to quality education and healthcare, and to develop programs that will equip our citizens with the skills they need to compete in the modern economy.

As the Managing Director of this agency, I pledge to work tirelessly to harness these opportunities and address the challenges that we face. Our agency's mandate is clear: to promote economic growth and development, improve infrastructure, and enhance the quality of life for our citizens.

Prof. Shehu Abdullahi Ma'aji

MD/CEO NWDC

Conclusion

Finally, we will prioritize transparency, accountability, and good governance in all our operations. We will work with our stakeholders to ensure that our programs and projects are transparent, effective, and impactful.

In conclusion, I want to thank the President, the National Assembly,  Minister Regional Development,  for the opportunity to serve. I also want to thank our partners, stakeholders, and citizens for their support and cooperation.

Together, we can achieve great things. Let us work together to build a brighter future for our region and our citizens.

Thank you.”