The legislative landscape of Nigeria has undergone a significant transformation with the recent enactment of two pivotal development commission bills into law. President Bola Tinubu’s assent to the South-West Development Commission (SWDC) Bill and the South-South Development Commission (SSDC) Bill marks a crucial step towards fostering regional growth and addressing developmental disparities across the nation. These new commissions join the existing North-West Development Commission (NWDC) and the South-East Development Commission (SEDC), completing the establishment of regional development commissions for all six geopolitical zones of Nigeria. This comprehensive approach signifies a commitment to equitable distribution of resources and opportunities, aiming to uplift communities and stimulate economic progress in every corner of the country.
The SWDC and SSDC, along with their counterparts in the North-West and South-East, are designed to serve as catalysts for development within their respective regions. Their mandates encompass a broad spectrum of responsibilities, including infrastructure development, economic diversification, and the enhancement of social welfare. These commissions are envisioned to play a pivotal role in bridging the gap between urban and rural areas, addressing regional imbalances, and promoting inclusive growth that benefits all segments of the population. By focusing on specific regional needs and leveraging local expertise, these commissions are expected to be more effective in implementing targeted interventions that address unique challenges and unlock the development potential of each region.
The establishment of these commissions marks a departure from the traditional top-down approach to development planning and implementation. By empowering regional bodies to take the lead in shaping their own development trajectories, the government aims to create a more responsive and effective system for addressing local needs. This decentralized approach promises to foster greater ownership of development initiatives by communities and encourage participatory governance, where local stakeholders play a more active role in shaping their future. The commissions are expected to work closely with state governments, local communities, and other stakeholders to ensure that development projects are aligned with local priorities and have a lasting positive impact.
The journey toward the creation of these commissions has been marked by collaborative efforts and bipartisan support within the National Assembly. The SWDC Bill, sponsored by Senator Gbenga Daniel representing Ogun East, underwent rigorous legislative scrutiny and was passed by the Senate in September 2024. The House of Representatives subsequently concurred, solidifying the legislative backing for the establishment of the commission. Similarly, the SSDC Bill, championed by Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong representing Cross-River South, followed a similar trajectory and received parliamentary approval in October 2024. This cross-party consensus underscores the widespread recognition of the urgent need to address regional disparities and drive inclusive development across the nation.
The signing of these bills into law has been met with widespread acclaim, both within the government and among the general populace. Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, lauded President Tinubu for “completing it to the entire geo-political zones,” highlighting the significance of having development commissions representing all regions of the country. Senate President Godswill Akpabio echoed this sentiment, expressing gratitude for the President’s cooperation and emphasizing the potential of the commissions to create jobs and stimulate grassroots development. These expressions of support reflect the high expectations placed on these commissions to deliver tangible improvements in the lives of ordinary Nigerians and contribute to the overall socio-economic advancement of the nation.
The operationalization of these newly established commissions will be a crucial next step. The appointment of competent and experienced individuals to the governing boards will be essential to ensure their effectiveness. Drawing upon the experience of the NWDC and SEDC, whose boards have already been constituted, will provide valuable insights and lessons learned. Moreover, ensuring adequate funding, promoting transparency and accountability, and fostering collaboration among stakeholders will be critical for the success of these commissions. The ultimate measure of their effectiveness will lie in their ability to translate their mandates into tangible improvements in the lives of the people they serve, fostering sustainable development, and promoting shared prosperity across all regions of Nigeria.
