In a significant legislative move, the Senate on Thursday endorsed the creation of the North West Development Commission (NWDC), a body aimed at tackling the myriad issues plaguing the seven states within the North West geopolitical zone.
The endorsement came on the heels of a favorable report from the Committee on Special Duties regarding the establishment of the NWDC.
The legislative proposal for the commission’s inception was put forward by the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau I Jibrin, alongside 20 other senators representing the North West states.
Senator Shehu Lawan Kaka of Borno Central, who chairs the committee, initiated the motion to deliberate and adopt the report, with Senator Ireti Kingibe of the FCT lending support.
Senator Kaka, in his presentation, highlighted that the bill was meticulously crafted with the strategic aim of spurring socio-economic growth within the North West zone.
He emphasized that the commission would serve as a bridge between the federal government and the region, fulfilling the long-standing desires of its populace.
Consequently, he advocated for the Senate’s approval of the bill.
Upon voting, led by Senator Barau I Jibrin who chaired the session, the bill received unanimous backing from the senators present.
Senator Barau, in his concluding remarks, expressed gratitude to his peers for their support and underscored the commission’s potential to confront the region’s challenges, thereby contributing positively to the nation’s welfare.
He further noted that the North West, often referred to as the nation’s breadbasket, would see the commission play a pivotal role in reconstructing infrastructure that has suffered at the hands of Boko Haram insurgents and banditry.
”So if we are serious about ensuring we have food and for food security to be attained in this country, we must provide the necessary infrastructure for all our key sectors to thrive well.
”This commission is needed. I commend you all for supporting this; no one said no. Everybody supported this idea. So, now we are pushing the Bill to the House of Representatives for their approval and then to Mr President for assent,” he said.
