The Senate has passed the North-West Development Commission (NWDC) Bill.
News About Nigeria reports that the bill was passed today and is aimed at stimulating socio-economic development in the north-west geopolitical zone.
The upper chamber passed the bill after considering the report of its Committee on Special Duties, presented by Kaka Shehu, its chairperson.
The north-west region comprises seven states: Kebbi, Zamfara, Kaduna, Kano, Sokoto, Jigawa, and Katsina. The bill seeks to facilitate the repair of infrastructure ravaged by insurgents in the northwestern states.
Presenting the report, Senator Kaka Shehu, representing Borno Central Senatorial District, said the bill aimed to stimulate socio-economic development in the north-west geopolitical zone.
“The intent and purpose of the bill are structured for the socio-development of the north-west geopolitical zone. It is recommended that the Senate approve the bill,” he added.
After considering the bill clause by clause, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin said the commission would facilitate the repair of infrastructure destroyed by bandits and Boko Haram in the north-western states.
“You are aware of the 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,” he said.
He urged members of the House of Representatives to pass the bill when it is transmitted to them for concurrence.
“It is hoped that the report will now be taken, and the House of Representatives will give concurrence,” he added.
If the bill scales through legislative hurdles in the House, it will join other commissions established for intervention in geo-political zones, such as the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), North-east Development Commission (NEDC), and the proposed South-East Development Commission (SEDC) and South-west Development Commission (SWDC).
