The Senate on Thursday passed the South-South Development Commission Bill. It also approved amendments to the North West Development Commission Act (NWDC), South East Development Commission (SEDC) Act, and the South West Development Commission (SWDC) Act to include provisions for geopolitical representation.

The resolution of the Senate followed its consistent adoption of the recommendations from its Committee on Special Duties, chaired by Senator Kaka Shehu. The report on the bill is titled “A Bill for an Act to Establish the South-South Development Commission,” which is charged with the responsibility of receiving and managing funds from the Federation Account Allocation and other sources, including donations, grants, and aids for the integration and development of the region. The commission will address infrastructural deficits, militancy, communal crises, and tackle ecological and environmental problems, among related matters, in 2024.

The bill was co-sponsored by all Senators from the South-South region, including:

– Senators Godswill Akpabio
– Sampson Ekong Akpan
– Etim Aniekan Bassey
– Sunday Benson Agadaga
– Konbowei Friday Benson
– Henry Seriake Dickson
– Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe
– Eteng Jonah Williams
– Ede Dafinone
– Thomas Joel-Onowakpo
– Munir Chinedu Nwoko
– Neda Imasuen
– Monday Okpebholo
– Adams Aliyu Oshiomhole
– Heacho Allwell Onyesoh
– Ipalibo Harry Banigo
– Barinada Barry Mpigi