Tinubu Appoints New Nominees For North West, South East Development Commissions

Additionally, he has nominated Hon. Emeka Atuma as the chairman of the South-East Development Commission (SEDC).

Earlier in September 2024, President Tinubu had nominated Ambassador Haruna Ginsau as chairman of the NWDC Board, with Senator Tijani Yahaya Kaura and Hon. Abdulkadir S. Usman as members. However, these three nominees have now been replaced.

The new NWDC chairman is Alh. Lawal Samai’la Abdullahi, while Ja’afar Abubakar Sadeeq and Yahaya Aminu Abdulhadi are the new members.

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Professor Abdullahi Shehu Ma’aji retains his position as the pioneer managing director and CEO of the NWDC. Other members from the original list include Dr. Yahaya Umar Namahe, Engr. Muhammad Ali Wudil, Shamsu Sule, Nasidi Ali, and Aminu Suleiman.

A statement from Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga confirmed that the Senate had adjusted the NWDC’s establishment Act to ensure representation from all six geopolitical zones.

In compliance, President Tinubu’s new list includes nominees from each zone: Chukwu Chijioke, Ahmed Mohammed, Engr. Ahmed Rufai Timasaniyu, Macdonalds Michael Uyi, Yemi Ola, and Hon. Babatunde Dada.

Regarding the South-East Development Commission, President Tinubu has appointed Hon. Emeka Atuma as the pioneer chairman and Hon. Mark C. Okoye as the Managing Director/CEO, subject to Senate confirmation.

Other members of the SEDC are Barr. Ugochukwu H. Agballah, Hon. Okey Ezenwa, Chief Hyacinth Ikpor, Hon. Donatus Eyinnah Nwankpa, Barr. Ifeanyi Agwu Ph.D., Nasiru Usman, and Hamma Adama Ali Kumo. Additional nominees include Edward David Onoja, Orure Kufre Inima, and Chief (Mrs.) Joke Adebayo-Chukwuma.

Also nominated for executive roles within the SEDC are Prince Obinna Obiekweihe as Executive Director (Projects), Sen. Anthony O. Agbo as Executive Director (Finance and Administration), and Dr. Daniel Ikechukwu Ugwuja as Executive Director (Corporate Services).

President Tinubu reaffirmed his dedication to regional development, urging the new nominees to leverage their experience and expertise to fulfill the mandates of both Commissions and advance the development of their respective regions.