Regional ministry trains commissions’ officers on digital quarterly reporting template

By Stella Odueme

The Ministry of Regional Development has commenced a capacity-building training programme for desk officers from the seven Regional Development Commissions on the revised Quarterly Reporting Template and the newly introduced Regional Development Commissions (RDC) Quarterly Reports Application.

Declaring the training open in Abuja, the Permanent Secretary, Dr Mary Ogbe, emphasised the importance of accurate, timely and transparent reporting in strengthening institutional accountability and monitoring the performance of the Regional Development Commissions.

Dr Ogbe noted that the Ministry submits quarterly performance reports to the Central Results Delivery Coordination Unit (CRCDU) of the Office of the Special Adviser to the President on Policy and Coordination, highlighting the Commissions’ contributions to implementing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda across the regions.

According to a statement by the Head of Information and Public Relations, Sani Datti, on Wednesday, she explained that the revised reporting template was developed to address recurring challenges associated with previous submissions, including inconsistencies in reporting formats, incomplete financial information, inadequate supporting evidence and delays in submission.

According to her, the revised template harmonises the CRCDU reporting requirements with the Commission’s quarterly performance templates and the Harmonised Performance Bond Matrix, thereby ensuring consistency, accuracy and alignment with the Presidential Reporting Blueprint.

The Permanent Secretary further disclosed that the revised template now provides for comprehensive reporting on project and programme implementation, including appropriated funds, contract sums, releases, expenditure, physical progress, percentage of completion, challenges and recommendations, alongside verifiable supporting documents such as geotagged photographs, letters of award and completion certificates.

A major highlight of the initiative is the introduction of the RDC Quarterly Reports App, a digital platform designed to simplify the reporting process, enhance data accuracy and improve the timely submission of quarterly reports by the Commissions.

Dr Ogbe explained that the application will enable each Commission to prepare and submit its reports online, validate financial figures, upload supporting evidence and transmit submissions securely using individual submission keys.

She added that the platform will also enable the Ministry to consolidate submissions into a unified report and provide the Honourable Ministers and the Permanent Secretary with access to a live dashboard to monitor submission status.

She charged the participating desk officers to take full advantage of the training and ensure that the knowledge acquired translates into improved reporting practices within their respective Commissions.

The Permanent Secretary particularly stressed the need for accurate financial reconciliation, credible project documentation, strict adherence to reporting deadlines and effective communication between the Commissions and the Ministry.

She disclosed that the first quarterly returns under the new reporting arrangement would cover the fourth quarter of 2026, urging the desk officers to safeguard their respective submission keys and share the knowledge acquired with their management and colleagues.

Dr Ogbe reiterated that effective reporting goes beyond routine administrative documentation, describing it as a critical instrument for demonstrating the value of public resources, strengthening government decision-making, promoting accountability and showcasing the developmental impact of the Regional Development Commissions across the country.

The training is expected to equip participants with the practical skills required to complete the revised reporting template accurately, reconcile financial information, provide credible supporting evidence and effectively utilise the newly introduced digital application.

The initiative underscores the Ministry of Regional Development’s commitment to strengthening institutional capacity, promoting transparency and accountability, and ensuring effective monitoring and evaluation of development projects and programmes across Nigeria’s regions.

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