by The Senate has reopened discussions on a bill to create the South-South Development Commission, which was previously suspended in July after a majority of senators voted against it.
On Thursday, lawmakers revisited the bill, with many arguing that all regions deserve their own development commission. The bill, sponsored by Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong from Cross River South, was initially rejected because some senators believed it duplicated the work of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
Supporters of the bill, however, emphasized that the South-South Development Commission would focus on regional development rather than resources, distinguishing it from the NDDC.
Senator Karimi from Kogi West added that Kogi, an oil-producing state, should be part of the NDDC. The Deputy Senate President suggested renaming the NDDC to include other oil-producing states like Bauchi and Kogi.
The bill has been referred to the Senate’s Committee on Special Duties, which will report back within a week.
