North West Development Commission

12/10/2026

PRESS RELEASE

KANO STATE SEEKS STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP WITH NWDC ON RURAL DEVELOPMENT

The Honourable Commissioner, Kano State Ministry for Rural and Community Development, Dr. Abdulqadir Abdussalam, today led a high-level delegation on a working visit to the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the North-West Development Commission (NWDC), Professor Shehu Abdullahi Ma'aji, at the Commission's headquarters in Kano.

The purpose of the visit was to formally seek a strategic partnership between the Kano State Government and the NWDC towards accelerating sustainable rural and community development in Kano State.

In his presentation, the Commissioner, unveiled the Ministry's Integrated Sustainability Framework for Rural and Community Development.

He explained that the framework was built on a review of five major development instruments:

1. International Framework: Alignment with the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with the adoption of nine priority goals considered as critical enablers for human security at the rural level, including quality education, health and well-being, and water and sanitation.

2. National Framework: The National Development Plan, which aims to deliver basic necessities to the grassroots across the 774 Local Government Areas of the Federation, focusing on education, primary healthcare, agricultural development and rural infrastructure.

3. State Framework: Alignment with the Economic Blueprint 2023 and beyond and the State Development Plan, which places rural transformation at the core of inclusive growth.

4. Grassroots Needs Assessment: A one-year extensive field engagement covering 44 Local Government Areas and nearly 400 wards, involving traditional institutions, rural populace, youth associations and community stakeholders to identify long-standing infrastructure gaps and community needs.

The Commissioner noted that the Ministry prioritized underserved communities with critical deficits and expressed readiness to share data, personnel and community structures with the NWDC to ensure interventions reach the most vulnerable.

Responding, the Managing Director/CEO, Professor Shehu Abdullahi Ma'aji, thanked the Commissioner for the visit and commended the Ministry for its methodical, data-driven approach to rural development.

Prof. Ma'aji reaffirmed the Commission's mandate, established under the NWDC Establishment Act 2024 signed by His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, to catalyze socio-economic development, tackle poverty, insecurity, and infrastructure deficits across the seven North-West states of Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto and Zamfara.

He assured the delegation of the Commission's commitment to partner with the Kano State Ministry for Rural and Community Development, stating:

"Rural development is at the heart of the NWDC mandate. We cannot develop the North-West without developing our rural communities. The framework you have presented aligns seamlessly with our strategic roadmap. We will partner with you to ensure that desired rural and community development is brought to our people across the seven states in a sustainable, equitable and impactful manner."

The MD/CEO further promises to direct his technical team to immediately engage with the Ministry's team to harmonize the needs assessment data with the Commission's project pipeline and to develop a joint action plan for early implementation.

Signed:
Abdulrashid Y. Safana, anipr
Director, Press and P***c Relations.
10th October, 2026

01/10/2026

10/09/2026

PRESS RELEASE

NWDC COMMENDS MULTI-AGENCY TASK FORCE, SEEKS COLLABORATION TO TACKLE DRUG ABUSE AND INSECURITY IN THE NORTH-WEST

"Drug abuse is fueling violence. Rehabilitation must go hand-in-hand with law enforcement." — Prof. Shehu Ma'aji

The North-West Development Commission (NWDC) has commended the Kano State Multi-Agency Task Force on Drug Abuse and Illicit Practices for significant gains recorded in the fight against drug abuse, and has expressed readiness to collaborate on regional solutions to tackle the menace across the North-West.

The commendation came during a courtesy visit to NWDC's management on Wednesday by the Task Force, led by its Chairman, Barrister Muhiyi Magaji Rimingado.
Speaking at the meeting, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of NWDC, Professor Shehu Abdullahi Ma'aji, said drug abuse has become a major driver of insecurity, poverty, and youth restiveness in the region.

"The North-West cannot achieve its development goals if a generation of our young people is lost to drug abuse. The data before us is alarming, and the link between drug abuse and the rise in gun violence is now clear to all of us," Prof. Ma'aji said.

Briefing the Commission, Barr. Rimingado disclosed that within 45 days of its inauguration, the Task Force recorded over 200 raids across vulnerable communities and secured over 200 convictions, with some offenders sentenced to up to 10 years' imprisonment. The operations also led to the recovery of weapons and other exhibits. He added that 120 of the most critical and vulnerable offenders are currently undergoing rehabilitation at two correctional and reformatory centres.

Rimingado described the Kano State Government's approach as two-pronged: aggressive law enforcement and mass rehabilitation.

"Government did not set up this committee only to arrest and prosecute. If we jail them for 10 years and release them back to the streets with no reform, we have achieved nothing. That is why we are removing the most vulnerable from the streets and putting them in reformatories," he said.

In his response, Prof. Ma'aji said NWDC will work to integrate drug prevention, rehabilitation, and youth empowerment into its regional development blueprint for Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto, and Zamfara States.

"At NWDC, our mandate is to rebuild the North-West. That means building infrastructure, but also rebuilding people. We will work with the Task Force and other stakeholders to expand rehabilitation centres, provide skills acquisition, and create jobs as alternatives to crime," he added.

Prof. Ma'aji expressed gratitude to the Executive Governor of Kano State, His Excellency Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf, for his continued support to the Commission and for establishing the Multi-Agency Task Force to combat drug abuse in the state. "This initiative is a testament to the Governor's concern for youth welfare and development," he said.

The Commission called on traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society organisations, and parents to join the campaign against drug abuse, noting that security and development must go together.

The North-West Development Commission was established to drive infrastructure development, human capital investment, and peace-building initiatives across the seven North-West states.

Abdulrashid Yusuf Safana, ANIPR
Director, Press and Public Relations
September 9, 2026

06/09/2026

The North-West Development Commission (NWDC) mourns the passing of His Royal Highness, Alhaji Ahmed Muhammad Sani II (CON), the Emir of Gumel.

A revered leader and custodian of tradition, his wisdom and dedication to peace will be deeply missed across the North-West and the nation.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the royal family, the Gumel Emirate, and the people of Jigawa State. May Allah (SWT) grant him Al-Jannatul Firdaus. Amin.

02/09/2026

Warmest birthday wishes to His Excellency, Sen. Kashim Shettima, GCON, Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. A leader of rare distinction and enduring vision. Happy birthday, sir.

28/08/2026

NWDC AND BANK OF INDUSTRY MOVE TO UNLOCK ₦10.5bn FOR NORTH-WEST MSMEs

The North-West Development Commission (NWDC) has opened talks with the Bank of Industry (BOI) on a regional financing partnership expected to unlock over ₦10.5 billion for micro, small and medium enterprises across Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto and Zamfara States.

The framework targets the region’s biggest enterprise constraints: limited access to affordable finance, weak industrial activity, and high unemployment among youth and women.

NWDC Managing Director/CEO, Professor Shehu Ma’aji, described the Northwest as Nigeria’s agricultural and commercial corridor linking Lagos to Kano and onward to Jibia and North African markets, and said the Commission is moving the region from fragmented interventions to a scalable development finance platform.

BOI’s Executive Director for MSMEs, Mr. Oluwatoyin Edu, confirmed that talks with Zamfara State are at an advanced stage for an MoU covering a ₦7.5 billion management fund and a ₦3 billion matching fund - a model BOI intends to replicate across the region through NWDC.

The proposed six-point framework prioritises MSME financing, agro-processing, industrial cluster development, and dedicated funding windows for women and youth-owned businesses.

Both institutions agreed to work through a joint technical process to finalise the partnership framework and implementation modalities within the next 30 days.

Media Unit
August 28, 2026

26/08/2026

NWDC, NCCE PARTNER TO STRENGTHEN TEACHER EDUCATION, REPOSITION COLLEGES OF EDUCATION AS DRIVERS FOR REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT

The North-West Development Commission (NWDC) has moved to strengthen collaboration with the National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE) around teacher training and repositioning Colleges of Education as engines of regional development, in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

The move followed a high-level meeting between NWDC Managing Director/CEO, Professor Shehu Abdullahi Ma’aji, and NCCE Executive Secretary, Dr. Angela Ajala.

Speaking at the meeting, Professor Ma’aji reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to teacher development as a foundation for sustainable growth across the Northwest’s seven states.

“The Northwest cannot achieve sustainable development without investing in teachers. Colleges of Education are the foundation. As NWDC, we are committed to working with NCCE to improve training, infrastructure, and the perception of the teaching profession across our seven states,” he said.

Dr. Ajala welcomed the partnership and called for a renewed national commitment to the teaching profession.

"You cannot go through life without passing through a teacher, and yet it is the teacher that is at the bottom of the ladder. The respect for teachers has been lost. We must change this narrative by strengthening Colleges of Education and making teaching a first-choice profession," she said.

Both institutions agreed to deepen collaboration on curriculum support, teacher training, and advocacy to raise the quality and appeal of teacher education across the Northwest.

The NWDC reaffirmed that education remains a priority pillar of its mandate to drive inclusive growth in the region. Since its establishment to lead infrastructure and human capital development across the Northwest, the Commission has identified education, skills acquisition, and youth and women development as central pillars of its regional transformation strategy.

Aug 26, 2026

06/08/2026

NWDC, NCC AND NITDA CHART STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP ON DIGITAL SKILLS FOR NORTH WEST YOUTH

The North West Development Commission (NWDC), the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA Nigeria) have committed to a strategic partnership to deliver large-scale digital skills training for young people across the seven states of the North West.

At a meeting in Abuja on Thursday, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the NWDC, Prof. Shehu Abdullahi Ma'aji, the Executive Vice Chairman/CEO of the NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida, and the Director-General of NITDA, Mallam Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, CCIE, resolved to pool resources, facilities and technical expertise behind a single, jointly-governed programme.

The initiative is to utilise NCC facilities for the delivery of the training, alongside NITDA's digital expertise and certification, structured as an intensive cycle blending in-person instruction with online learning. The tripartite partnership is designed to raise the skills and employability of young people across the region, a priority the Commission has identified as central to unlocking the North West's economic potential.

Human capital development remains central to the NWDC's mandate, and digital skills are its entry point.

Skills. Expertise. Opportunity. The North West is getting to work.

August 6, 2026.

29/07/2026

PRESS RELEASE

NATIONAL ORTHOPAEDIC HOSPITAL, DALA SEEKS PARTNERSHIP WITH NORTH-WEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION

…NWDC to Explore Alternative Power Supply for Newly Donated MRI Facility.

The Management of the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Dala–Kano, on Tuesday paid a courtesy visit to the North-West Development Commission (NWDC) at the Commission’s Headquarters in Kano, in a move aimed at forging institutional collaboration between the two federal establishments in the delivery of quality healthcare to the people of the North West.

The delegation was led by the Medical Director of the Hospital, Dr. Nurudeen Isa, accompanied by members of the Hospital’s Top Management Committee.

Addressing the Managing Director/CEO of the Commission, Prof. Shehu Abdullahi Ma’aji, Dr. Isa gave an overview of the Hospital, highlighting its status as a federal tertiary institution and its range of specialised services in orthopaedic and trauma care serving Kano and the wider North West region.

The Medical Director informed the Commission that the Hospital had recently received the donation of a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) machine from the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) — a facility with the potential to significantly strengthen diagnostic capacity across the region. He, however, drew attention to the operational challenges confronting its deployment, and requested the Commission’s support in providing a reliable alternative power supply to sustain its use.

The Managing Director explained that the Commission is presently focused on quick, high-impact priority interventions designed to deliver visible relief to communities across the zone within the shortest possible time. He shared the Commission’s health agenda, which includes the renovation and upgrading of Primary Healthcare Centres across the senatorial districts of the seven states, the introduction of telemedicine, and the deployment of outreach and mobile clinics to reach underserved and hard-to-access communities.

On the Hospital’s request, Prof. Ma’aji assured the delegation that the Commission would look into the provision of an alternative power source that would enable the MRI facility to operate 24 hours, uninterrupted. He noted that a diagnostic asset of that value must not be left idle for want of power, and that ensuring its full utilisation would serve patients drawn from across the entire North West.

The Managing Director further noted that the Commission would examine the range of services rendered by the Hospital with a view to identifying viable areas of partnership, and would await the Hospital’s proposal and work towards a considered response.

Prof. Ma’aji commended the Management of the National Orthopaedic Hospital for its dedication and the quality of care it renders to the people of the region, and reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to giving its best in support of shared objectives — noting that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, expects the Regional Development Commissions to demonstrate concrete and measurable impact in the lives of the people they were created to serve.

The visit ended with an exchange of pleasantries and a group photograph.

Media Unit
North-West Development Commission
July 29, 2026

02/07/2026

A significant milestone for the North-West Development Commission.

Today, the Kano State Government officially handed over the Commission’s Temporary Headquarters, alongside the donation of two official vehicles to support our take-off.

The handover was led by His Excellency, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, alongside the Honourable Minister of Regional Development, the Honourable Minister of State for Regional Development, the Permanent Secretary, and the Board and Management of the Commission.

We extend our profound gratitude to His Excellency, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, for his exceptional support towards the growth of the NWDC and the prosperity of our region.

Established by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, in 2024, the Commission is fully committed to delivering sustainable development across the seven states of the North-West.