The Federal Government is working with the National Assembly to harmonise the laws establishing regional development commissions, with the aim of improving coordination and operational efficiency.

Vanguard reported that the Minister of State for Regional Development, Uba Ahmadu, made this known on Sunday in Abuja while speaking to journalists.

Ahmadu said the initiative was designed to reduce areas of friction, improve collaboration and make the commissions more effective in carrying out their mandates.

He explained that while the commissions share the broad objective of development, the laws that established them differ because of the peculiar circumstances and needs of their respective regions.

According to him, the ministry is working towards amendments that will bring the laws closer together, while retaining the provisions needed to address the distinct challenges of each region.

“The commissions are distinct in various respects. The laws setting them up are also not exactly the same,” he said.

Ahmadu said the ministry was collaborating with the National Assembly, which bears the constitutional responsibility for making laws, to resolve the differences.

He added that the proposed harmonisation would strengthen coordination and reduce the potential for conflicts among the commissions.

The minister disclosed that the ministry was also developing a policy framework to guide regional development activities.

He explained that the policy document had been taken across the country to gather input from Nigerians and stakeholders in the various regions.

According to him, the document has been presented to the National Economic Council and is awaiting approval by the Federal Executive Council.

Ahmadu said the ministry’s overall responsibility was to coordinate the commissions and ensure that development interventions addressed the needs of the people.