As a Bill for establishing the South-South Development Commission is introduced in the Senate, a significant milestone is achieved with the passage of the South-East Development Commission Bill (SEDC). This bill, aimed at addressing the infrastructural damages suffered by the region due to the civil war, has been passed by the Senate after thorough consideration.
Meanwhile, the South-South Development Commission (Establishment) Bill, 2004 (SB.358), sponsored by Senator Ekpenyong Asuquo of APC, Cross River, has been introduced and awaits further readings in the Senate.
The passage of the SEDC bill follows the presentation and consideration of a similar bill focusing on the South-East region’s development potentials and related matters. The bill was presented by the Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele of APC, Ekiti Central.
The SEDC bill, when enacted into law, will enable the commission to manage funds allocated from the Federation Account for the reconstruction and rehabilitation of infrastructure in the South-East region. This includes addressing ecological challenges and promoting overall socio-economic development in states like Abia, Imo, Enugu, Anambra, and Ebonyi.
The Commission’s functions encompass various aspects of development, including transportation, healthcare, education, agriculture, industrialization, housing, urban development, water supply, electricity, and telecommunications. It will also monitor projects funded by companies operating in the region to ensure proper utilization of resources and environmental protection.
With the passage of the bill in both chambers, a Conference Committee will be established to reconcile any differences before it is presented to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for assent.
Support for the bill has been expressed by Senator Victor Umeh of LP, Anambra Central, emphasizing its potential to drive infrastructure development since the civil war.
In response, Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, highlighted the significance of the bill in addressing regional concerns and fostering development.
In addition to the SEDC bill, proposals for establishing development commissions in other regions, including the South West and North Central, have also gained traction in the Senate, reflecting a broader effort to address regional disparities and promote inclusive development nationwide.
