Tinubu Signs South-West And South-South Development Commission Bills
President Bola Tinubu has signed into law the South-West Development Commission (SWDC) Bill and the South-South Development Commission (SSDC) Bill, officially establishing dedicated development commissions for all six geopolitical zones in Nigeria.
The announcement was made by Senate President Godswill Akpabio during plenary on Tuesday.
“Just to inform distinguished senators that Mr. President has assented to the remaining regional development bills, the South-West Development Commission Bill and the South-South Development Commission Bill. We now have all the developmental commissions legally in existence,” Akpabio stated.
The commissions are tasked with accelerating infrastructure development, economic growth, and social welfare within their respective regions. The Senate lauded President Tinubu’s commitment to regional development, emphasizing that the newly established bodies will create jobs and foster grassroots progress.
The SWDC Bill, sponsored by Senator Gbenga Daniel (Ogun East), was passed by the Senate in September 2024 before being sent to the House of Representatives for concurrence. Similarly, the SSDC Bill, sponsored by Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong (Cross River South), was passed in October 2024 and subsequently approved by the House.
These commissions join the North-West Development Commission (NWDC) and the South-East Development Commission (SEDC), both of which were signed into law by President Tinubu in July 2024. Their respective boards have since been constituted and confirmed by the Senate.
Presidential adviser on Senate Matters, Basheer Lado, praised the president for his commitment to inclusive governance and national development.
“These landmark legislations are a clear reflection of President Tinubu’s relentless commitment to inclusive governance, equitable progress, and Nigeria’s emergence as a global powerhouse. His Excellency has once again demonstrated that leadership is not merely about policies—it is about impact, legacy, and a deep-rooted dedication to uplifting every citizen,” Lado stated.
In addition to these regional development bills, President Tinubu also signed the Nigeria Anti-Doping Bill 2025 into law. The bill aligns Nigeria with international sports ethics by domesticating the UNESCO International Convention Against Doping in Sports.
“With this step, President Tinubu has positioned Nigeria as a nation of high ethical standards, ensuring our athletes compete on the world stage with honor and credibility,” Lado added.
