Senate Passes South-West Development Commission Bill

The Nigerian Senate has passed the South-West Development Commission Establishment Bill, 2024, following its third reading on Thursday. This development comes after the Senate adopted the report submitted by Senator Kaka Shehu Lawan, the chairman of the Senate Committee on Special Duties.

During the presentation of the report, Senator Lawan highlighted the bill’s primary aim of driving socio-economic growth in Nigeria’s South-West region. He noted that once the Commission is established through presidential assent, it will be empowered to receive funds from the Federation Account and other sources, such as development partners. These funds will be used to address infrastructural gaps and tackle ecological challenges within the region.

Following a clause-by-clause consideration, the Senate read the bill for the third time and approved its passage.

Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin, who presided over the session, commended Senator Kaka’s committee for their efforts. He emphasized that, like other development commissions established across the country, the South-West Development Commission will play a key role in addressing the region’s infrastructural and environmental needs.

“The creation of these development commissions is vital to fast-tracking the growth of the entire nation,” Senator Barau stated. He also expressed confidence that President Bola Tinubu, who has previously assented to similar bills for other regions, will sign the South-West Development Commission Bill into law.