2024: Senate passes Bill to establish North West Development Commission

The Senate on Thursday passed the North West Development Commission bill to address the challenges facing the seven states in the geopolitical zone.

This followed the consideration and adoption of the report of the Committee on Special Duties on the NWDC (Establishment).

The bill which scaled the third reading was sponsored by the Deputy President of the Senate Barau Jibrin, and 20 other lawmakers from the seven states in the North West geopolitical zone.

The Chairman of the committee, Sen. Shehu Kaka (representing Borno Central) who moved the motion for the presentation and consideration of the report, said the intent and purpose of the bill are well structured and strategically streamlined for the socio-economic development of the North West geopolitical zone of the country.

Read Also: SolaceBase Data: Without FAAC, Katsina, Jigawa would have been unable to pay salaries in Q1, 2024

He further added that the commission’s establishment would bring the Federal Government closer to the North Western states and meet the yearnings and aspirations of the people.

In his remarks, Senator Barau commended his colleagues for supporting the bill’s passage.

A statement issued by Special Adviser to the Deputy President of the Senate on Media and Publicity, Ismail Mudashir, on Thursday said when established, the commission would address the challenges facing the geopolitical zone and, by extension, the country.

Describing the North West as the food basket of the country, he said the commission, when established, will work towards the restoration of infrastructure destroyed by Boko Haram insurgents and bandits in the region.

” 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.

Read Also: SolaceBase Data: Here is what Kano got from FAAC in 3 months

“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.