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Efforts to establish regional development commissions in Nigeria gained momentum as the South West Development Commission (SWDC) bill achieved a significant milestone during Wednesday’s session in the Senate.
Senator Olugbenga Daniel of Ogun East, representing the APC, presented the bill for the establishment of the SWDC. The proposed commission aims to receive and manage funds from the Federation Account, including donations, to address infrastructural damages and developmental challenges in the South West region.
Similarly, the Senate deliberated on a bill for the creation of the North Central Development Commission, highlighting the need to enhance infrastructural development in the region. Senators Sani Musa of Niger East and Abba Moro of Benue South sponsored the bill.
Meanwhile, the bill for the establishment of the South East Development Commission was deferred for further consideration, with Senator Opeyemi Bamidele of Ekiti Central presenting the proposal.
Senator Daniel emphasized the SWDC’s role in managing funds allocated from the Federation account, underscoring the importance of regional development initiatives.
The reintroduction of the SWDC bill marks a significant step forward, following its initial presentation during the 8th National Assembly in December 2018 by Senator Gbenga Ashafa of Lagos East.
The proposed SWDC encompasses states including Ekiti, Ogun, Ondo, Lagos, Osun, and Oyo, aiming to bolster development across the South West region.
This legislative move follows the establishment of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and the North East Development Commission (NEDC), reflecting ongoing efforts to address regional development disparities.
The potential enactment of these bills, alongside the South East Development Commission Bill, would bring the total number of regional interventionist agencies in Nigeria to six, highlighting a concerted effort to promote equitable development across the country.
