In a noteworthy act of legislation, the Senate gave its approval for the creation of the South-East Development Commission (SEDC) on Thursday.
This decision comes just two months after the House of Representatives passed the same bill.
The SEDC, which was previously passed by the 8th Senate but not signed into law by former President Muhammadu Buhari, is tasked with managing funds allocated from the Federation Account. These funds are earmarked for the reconstruction and rehabilitation of infrastructure damaged in the region due to the civil war.
The bill was passed after a detailed review by the Senate’s Committee of the Whole, led by Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio. During the plenary session, Senate Leader Michael Opeyemi, who also represents Ekiti Central, presented the bill, which aims to stimulate the commercial potential of the South-East.
The House of Representatives had unanimously passed the bill for its 3rd reading on December 21, 2023, under the leadership of Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, who also sponsored the bill. The bill was then sent to the Senate for concurrence.
Upon establishment, the Commission will undertake a range of functions, including planning and implementing sustainable development projects in the South East States. These projects span various sectors, including transportation, health, education, employment, agriculture, industrialization, housing, urban development, water supply, electricity, and telecommunications.
The Commission will also work to identify and address factors hindering the development of the South East States, assess and report on projects funded in the region, and tackle ecological and environmental issues arising from mineral extraction and oil exploration.
Following the bill’s passage, Senate President Akpabio remarked that the bill’s enactment into law would bring development and address the region’s concerns. He congratulated his colleagues, stating, “It’s a very important bill passed by this 10th Senate, this bill addresses all the fears of our brothers and sisters from the South-East.”
The speaker expresses hope that the newly established South-East Development Commission will foster development and peace in the South-East region, thereby alleviating any agitation. With the bill passed in both legislative chambers, a Conference Committee will be formed to reconcile any differences. Once harmonized, the bill will be sent to President Bola Tinubu for approval.
