President Bola Tinubu has officially signed into law the bills establishing development commissions for Nigeria’s South-East and North-West regions.
This significant legislative move aims to address regional challenges and promote development in these areas.
The South-East Development Commission bill, initially sponsored by Benjamin Kalu, the Deputy Speaker representing the Bende federal constituency in Abia State, successfully passed through both the Senate and the House of Representatives before reaching the President for final approval.
The newly formed South-East Development Commission is set to receive funding to implement a variety of projects across the geopolitical zone. These projects will focus on tackling environmental issues such as erosion and will also include the reconstruction and rehabilitation of critical infrastructure, including roads in the states of Abia, Enugu, Ebonyi, Imo, and Anambra.
In an official statement released by his Chief Press Secretary, Levinus Nwabughiogu, Kalu expressed his gratitude to President Tinubu for signing the bill into law. He highlighted the commission’s vital role in “rehabilitating Igbo land” and fostering unity among its people.
In addition to the South-East Development Commission, President Tinubu also signed the bill establishing the North-West Development Commission into law. The bill, sponsored by Jibrin Barau, Deputy Senate President, is intended to address the myriad of challenges faced by the North-West geopolitical zone.
Barau described the legislative approval as a “testament” to President Tinubu’s “commitment to addressing the challenges facing the North-West geopolitical zone and all parts of the country.” The North-West Development Commission will focus on strategic development initiatives aimed at improving the quality of life and infrastructure in the region.
These legislative advancements reflect a broader effort by the Tinubu administration to ensure equitable development and address the unique needs of various regions across Nigeria.