Senate passes bill seeking to establish North West Development Commission

The senate has passed a bill seeking to establish the North West Development Commission.

The upper legislative chamber passed the bill on Thursday after Kaka Shehu, chair of the special duties committee, presented a report on it.

Shehu said the intent of the bill is to stimulate socio-economic development in the region.

“The intent and purpose of the bill is structured for the socio-development of the north-west geopolitical zone,” he said.

“It is recommended that the senate do approve of the bill.”

Speaking after the consideration of clauses in the bill, Jibrin Barau, deputy senate president, said the legislation seeks to repair the infrastructure in the zone.

“It is hoped that the report will now be taken — and the house of representatives will give concurrence,” Barau said.

“You are aware of devastation in the zone due to the activities of bandits and Boko Haram. The infrastructure is completely destroyed and this is the food basket of the nation.

“If we are serious about food security, we should pay attention.”

After the establishments of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and the North East Development Commission (NEDC), other geopolitical zones commenced lobbying for their own commissions.

The NEDC was established following the devastation of the north-east by Boko Haram insurgents.

There has also been an attempt to establish the South East Development Commission.