In a significant move towards fostering regional development in Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has signed the South-West Development Commission (SWDC) and South-South Development Commission (SSDC) bills into law. This historic action completes the establishment of five new Regional Development Commissions (RDCs), aimed at promoting economic growth, infrastructure development, and social welfare in various regions of the country.
The new commissions – the South-West Development Commission (SWDC), the South-South Development Commission (SSDC), the North-West Development Commission (NWDC), the South-East Development Commission (SEDC), and the North-Central Development Commission (NCDC) – were established with the goal of addressing the unique challenges faced by each region, and are now under the oversight of the newly created Ministry of Regional Development. The ministry, formed in October 2024, will oversee the activities of the commissions and ensure they align with their mandates while promoting cooperation between regions.
The passage of the SWDC and SSDC bills is a major step in Nigeria’s push for regional equity, and it comes as part of a broader legislative agenda focused on addressing developmental disparities across the country. The bills were first introduced in the Senate, where they gained majority support before being passed on to the House of Representatives for final approval.
Senator Gbenga Daniel from Ogun East sponsored the South-West Development Commission Bill, which was passed in September 2024, while the SSDC Bill was passed in October 2024. The swift passage of these bills by both chambers of the National Assembly underscores the strong bipartisan support for regional development and the recognition of the urgent need for targeted interventions in various parts of the country.
The South-South Development Commission Bill, championed by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, specifically aims to address the long-standing issues of ecological degradation and economic disparity in Nigeria’s oil-producing region. The South-West Development Commission, on the other hand, will focus on driving infrastructure development and industrialization, tapping into the region’s economic potential, particularly its vibrant commercial and agricultural sectors.
The swift approval and signing of the bills by President Tinubu is a testament to the leadership of Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abass. Their leadership in advancing these bills has been crucial in ensuring that the legislative process moved forward without unnecessary delays. The bipartisan nature of the support for the bills highlights the widespread recognition of the need for equitable development across Nigeria’s diverse regions.
In his comments, Senate President Akpabio expressed pride in the historic milestone achieved by the National Assembly. He emphasized that the establishment of the Regional Development Commissions marks a major step toward addressing the economic and social challenges faced by various regions, particularly the South-South region, which has long struggled with ecological degradation and the negative effects of oil extraction.
Speaker Abass also lauded the passage of the bills, emphasizing that the establishment of the RDCs will bring much-needed development to regions that have long been neglected in terms of infrastructure and industrialization. He commended the cooperation between members of the National Assembly in passing the bills, noting that the RDCs will provide the framework for tackling region-specific challenges in a more targeted and effective manner.
The newly established Ministry of Regional Development, which is tasked with coordinating the activities of the five Regional Development Commissions, will play a central role in the implementation of these ambitious plans. The ministry will ensure that the commissions adhere to their mandates and facilitate collaboration between different regions to address common challenges, such as infrastructure deficits, economic inequality, and social welfare issues.
In addition to overseeing the commissions, the Ministry of Regional Development will also work with the National Assembly and other government agencies to ensure that the RDCs receive the necessary funding and support to carry out their mandates. The ministry will also be responsible for monitoring the progress of each commission and evaluating the impact of their interventions on the regions they serve.
Each of the new commissions will have a specific focus based on the unique needs and challenges of the regions they serve. The South-South Development Commission will prioritize addressing environmental concerns, such as oil spills and deforestation, as well as economic diversification to reduce the region’s dependency on oil revenue. Similarly, the South-West Development Commission will focus on infrastructure projects aimed at boosting industrialization, particularly in areas such as transportation, agriculture, and technology.
The North-West Development Commission will tackle issues related to insecurity and economic underdevelopment, while the South-East Development Commission will focus on post-conflict reconstruction and industrial growth. Finally, the North-Central Development Commission will address issues related to agricultural development, infrastructure, and job creation for youth in the region.
Each commission will be empowered to formulate and implement regional development plans that align with the national development agenda, while also taking into account the specific needs of the region. The goal is to create a more balanced and inclusive development process that ensures no region is left behind.
President Tinubu’s assent to the SWDC and SSDC bills is a reflection of his commitment to promoting regional equity and addressing the long-standing developmental disparities in Nigeria. By signing these bills into law, Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s focus on ensuring that all regions of Nigeria have equal opportunities for growth and development.
In a statement, President Tinubu emphasized that the creation of the Regional Development Commissions represents a major step toward achieving a more inclusive and sustainable economic development model. He noted that these commissions will play a crucial role in driving job creation, infrastructure development, and improved living standards for Nigerians across the country.
“The establishment of these commissions is a reflection of our commitment to regional equity,” President Tinubu said. “We must ensure that every region of our great nation has the opportunity to thrive and reach its full potential.”
With the signing of the SWDC and SSDC bills, Nigeria is poised to take significant strides toward addressing regional inequalities and fostering sustainable economic growth. As the commissions begin their work, it is expected that they will focus on key areas such as infrastructure development, job creation, and economic diversification.
Stakeholders are hopeful that the commissions will not only help to tackle regional challenges but will also provide a platform for greater inter-regional collaboration. With the president’s assent and the backing of the National Assembly, Nigeria can look forward to a more equitable future, where development is not concentrated in one part of the country but is shared across all regions.
