by As of March 26, 2025, there have been no reports confirming that President Bola Tinubu has signed the South-South Development Commission (SSDC) bill into law. The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has been actively urging the President to assent to the bill to promote equitable development in the South-South region.
PANDEF has expressed concerns that the delay in signing the bill could negatively impact the existing peace in the Niger Delta and create feelings of exclusion among the people of the South-South. The group emphasizes that establishing the SSDC would complement the efforts of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and address broader regional development needs.
Additionally, PANDEF has recommended reverting the NDDC to its original name, the Oil Mineral Producing Areas Development Commission (OMPADEC), to prevent confusion between the two entities. The group also calls for the appointment of individuals from the South-South region to key positions within the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) to ensure fair representation.
As of now, the SSDC bill awaits President Tinubu’s assent, and PANDEF continues to advocate for its prompt signing to foster inclusive development in the South-South region.
