Nigerian Senate Approves Creation of South West Development Commission
The Nigerian Senate has approved the establishment of the South West Development Commission following the passage of the South West Development Bill during its third reading. The approval came after a report was presented by the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Special Duties, Kaka Shehu Lawan.
Lawan explained that the proposed commission, once established through presidential assent, would function similarly to other regional development commissions in Nigeria. “If the commission is established, it will receive funds from the federation account and contributions from development partners to address infrastructure deficits and ecological challenges in the South West region,” he stated.
Originally introduced in February 2024, the bill aims to manage government-allocated funds for capital projects in the region. The commission will oversee the construction, reconstruction, and rehabilitation of roads, housing, and other essential infrastructure.
Beyond infrastructure, the commission will also focus on addressing ecological and environmental challenges to boost the socioeconomic development of South West states, which include Lagos, Oyo, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, and Ekiti. The bill’s passage marks a significant step toward improving the living conditions and economic potential of the region.
The next step is for the bill to be presented to President Bola Tinubu for final approval and enactment into law.
