The House of Representatives on Thursday passed a bill to Establish the South West Development Commission. The bill, which aims to address critical infrastructural, ecological, and developmental challenges in the Southwest region, will now be transmitted to the Senate for concurrence.
While speaking on the development, Rep James Faleke, Chairman of the Southwest Caucus of House of Representatives expressed his gratitude to his colleagues for their overwhelming support for the bill.
He stated, “This bill represents a collective and multi-partisan effort by all Members of the House of Representatives from the Southwest states. It underscores our shared commitment to addressing the unique challenges faced by our region and ensuring sustainable development.”
Taofeek Ajilesoro, Secretary of the Southwest Caucus, highlighted the broad support the bill received during deliberations. He commended the House for recognizing the urgent need to facilitate the reconstruction and rehabilitation of infrastructural damages and address various environmental and developmental challenges in the Southwest.
Dr. Adewummi Oriyomi Onanuga, Deputy Chief Whip and Leader of the Southwest Caucus, added, “The establishment of the South West Development Commission is a crucial step towards equitable development. It will provide the necessary framework to tackle the infrastructural deficits and environmental challenges that have long hindered our region’s progress.”
The bill was thoroughly examined in the Committee of the Whole, where it received robust debate and consideration. All 33 clauses of the bill were voted on and approved, reflecting the commitment of the House of Representatives to address the unique needs of the Southwest region.
The bill was sponsored by the senator representing Ogun East, Gbenga Daniel.
It would be recalled that Mr. Daniel, while leading a debate on the bill, said when the commission is established, it will be responsible for the management of funds allocated by the federal government for capital projects in the South-west region.
“This Bill essentially aims to establish a Commission for the South West region that will be charged with the responsibility amongst others, to receive and manage funds allocated by the Federal Government for the construction, reconstruction and rehabilitation of roads, houses and other infrastructural damages suffered by the region and the need to tackle the ecological problems and any other related environmental or developmental challenges in the South-west states and for related matters.
“The South-western part of Nigeria, made up of Lagos, Ogun, Ekiti, Ondo, Osun and Oyo states, is a melting pot with all ethnic groups of Nigeria living in peace and harmony. These same coastal issues are affecting the riverine areas of Ondo and Ogun states as well, hence the need to holistically revamp the infrastructural and security deficits of the region,” the former Governor of Ogun State said.
The bill is divided into six parts (with 27 sections) and captured the following:
i. Establishment of the South West Development Commission;
ii. Functions of the Commission;
iii. Structure of the Commission;
iv. Staff of the Commission;
v. Financial provisions; and
vi. Miscellaneous provisions.
The passage of this bill marks a significant step towards equitable development across Nigeria. The Southwest Caucus remains hopeful for a swift concurrence by the Senate, enabling the bill to be enacted into law and commence its vital work in transforming the Southwest region.