In a historic move aimed at addressing long-standing developmental challenges in Nigeria’s South-South region, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has officially signed the South-South Development Commission Bill into law. This pivotal legislation, a product of years of advocacy and dedication, marks a significant step toward equitable development for the South-South states, and is expected to address the region’s infrastructural deficits, environmental degradation, and systemic resource allocation disparities.
The bill, known as SB. 358, was introduced in 2024 by Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong of Cross River South (APC), who also serves as the Chairman of the Senate Committee on the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC). Senator Ekpenyong, alongside several co-sponsors from the South-South region, championed the bill to create a dedicated development commission specifically focused on the needs of the South-South geopolitical zone.
This legislative victory has been celebrated as a long-overdue recognition of the South-South region’s unique challenges. Senator Ekpenyong, who has worked tirelessly to push for this development, expressed his pride in the achievement, noting that the signing into law marks the dawn of a new era for the region.
During a speech following the signing of the bill, Senator Ekpenyong reflected on the significance of the bill’s passage, highlighting the deep disparities that have historically undermined the region’s progress. “Today, we celebrate not just a legislative victory, but a testament to the South-South’s unwavering resolve for equity,” he said. “This new commission will finally address our region’s unique challenges, from infrastructure deficits to environmental degradation, while ensuring that Cross River and all South-South states receive the resources they rightfully deserve.”
The Senator also acknowledged President Tinubu’s support, emphasizing that the creation of this commission was a crucial step towards bridging the development gap between South-South and other geopolitical zones of Nigeria. “I thank President Tinubu for his commitment to regional development, and my colleagues in the National Assembly for their bipartisan support,” he added. “Together, we’ve paved the way for a brighter future where no community is left behind.”
The South-South Development Commission (SSDC) is a landmark initiative designed to replace the model established by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), which, according to Ekpenyong, has not adequately addressed the specific needs of the South-South region. While the NDDC includes a broader swath of states, including non-South-South areas like Abia and Imo, Senator Ekpenyong argued that this model diluted focus and resources that should be dedicated exclusively to the South-South states.
He stressed that the South-South region, particularly Cross River, which had often been overlooked in terms of federal development support, would now receive the focused attention it deserves. For years, Cross River and other states in the region had seen minimal benefits from the NDDC’s oil-dependent funding model, which Ekpenyong believes failed to address the unique developmental challenges faced by the region.
The South-South Development Commission Bill has outlined a sustainable framework for development that shifts away from the oil-dependent funding model used by the NDDC. Instead, the new commission will receive funding from a variety of sources, including federal allocations, international grants, and private sector partnerships. This diversification of funding sources is designed to shield the commission from the volatility of global oil prices, ensuring that the region’s development remains consistent and unaffected by the fluctuations in the oil market.
The bill’s passage is seen as a victory not only for Cross River and other South-South states but for Nigeria as a whole, as it sets a precedent for equitable development across the country’s regions. The bill ensures that resources are allocated based on the specific needs of the region, rather than solely on oil revenue-based allocations.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio, in his remarks following the bill’s passage, described the establishment of the South-South Development Commission as a vital step towards achieving inclusive development across Nigeria. He noted that the new commission would not only address infrastructure and environmental issues but would also catalyze job creation and grassroots economic transformation. “This bill will create an enabling environment for the South-South region to thrive economically, and it will ensure that the people of this region have access to the opportunities and resources they deserve,” Akpabio stated.
The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), a prominent advocacy group in the region, has welcomed the signing of the bill and urged President Tinubu to appoint capable leadership to the South-South Development Commission. According to PANDEF, the success of the commission will depend on the appointment of individuals who are not only competent but also committed to addressing the region’s developmental challenges. The forum also emphasized the need for transparency and accountability in the operations of the new commission.
“While we celebrate this momentous achievement, we also recognize that the real work begins now,” PANDEF’s spokesperson said in a statement. “The commission must be led by individuals who are well-versed in the issues facing the region and who have the ability to navigate the complexities of development. We urge the President to ensure that the leadership of the commission reflects the vision and goals outlined in the bill.”
The establishment of the South-South Development Commission represents a critical moment in Nigeria’s quest for balanced and equitable regional development. As the government begins the process of appointing leadership for the new commission, attention will inevitably turn to the tangible outcomes of this legislation. Will it lead to the long-awaited infrastructure improvements, job creation, and environmental restoration in the South-South region? Will it finally address the disparities that have left much of the region underdeveloped for decades?
The people of Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Rivers, Delta, Edo, and other South-South states will be watching closely as the commission begins its work. The promise of a more prosperous and equitable future hinges on the successful implementation of the South-South Development Commission, and it is now up to the leadership and people of the region to ensure that this new law delivers on its lofty goals.
In signing the South-South Development Commission Bill into law, President Tinubu has not only fulfilled a promise to the people of the region but has also demonstrated a clear commitment to addressing the historical imbalances in Nigeria’s development. With strong leadership, accountability, and sustained focus, the South-South Development Commission has the potential to transform the region and set a model for other areas in need of similar interventions.
