The Senate has approved the establishment of the North West Development Commission, NWDC, to tackle the challenges facing the seven states in the geopolitical zone.
The decision followed the adoption and consideration of a report of the Committee on Special Duties submitted to it Thursday.
Deputy Senate President Barau I Jibrin and 20 other senators from the seven states, which make up the North West geopolitical zone, sponsored the establishment bill.
Chairman of the Senate Special Duties Committee, Shehu Lawan Kaka (APC, Borno Central), moved the motion for the presentation and consideration of the report, while Senator Ireti Kingibe (LP, FCT) seconded the motion.
Presenting the report, Senator Kaka pointed out that the intent of the bill was well structured and strategically streamlined for the socio-economic development of the North West Zone.
He added that the commission, if established, would bring the federal government closer to the North Western states and meet the yearnings and aspirations of the people who have suffered incalculable damage to infrastructure and livelihoods as a result of the activities of bandits.
Kaka, therefore, urged the Senate to pass the bill.
When the bill was put to a voice vote by the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin, who presided over the session, it was unanimously supported.
In his remarks shortly after, Senator Jibrin commended his colleagues for supporting the bill’s passage.
According to him, when established, the commission would address the challenges facing the geopolitical zone and, by extension, the country.
While describing the North West as the food basket of the country, he said the commission, when established, will work towards the restoration of infrastructure destroyed by Boko Haram insurgents and bandits in the region.
He said, “So, if we are serious about ensuring we have food, and for food security to be attained in this country, we must provide the necessary infrastructure for all our key sectors to thrive well.
“This commission is needed. I commend you all for supporting this; no one said no. Everybody supported this idea. So, now we are pushing the bill to the House of Representatives for their approval and then to Mr President for assent.”